Chief of Mission of International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Sharon Dimanche, has disclosed that Nigeria currently has over 3.7 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
She said the persons were displaced by conflict, climate shocks, environmental challenges and the search for better economic opportunities.
According to her, they were forced from their homes by environmental circumstances.
Dimanche who stated this in Benin at the Edo State Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Summit themed, “Strengthening Systems, Transforming Lives,” said the figure represents more than statistics, describing the displaced population as families struggling to rebuild their lives with dignity and determination.
She noted that Edo State plays a significant role in Nigeria’s migration landscape, making collaboration with the state government critical to the organisation’s migration management strategy.
Since 2017, IOM said it has partnered the Edo State Government on migration management and reintegration programmes, supporting the voluntary return of more than 9,000 Nigerian migrants, many of whom have received reintegration assistance to rebuild their lives.
She contended that IOM is also working closely with the Nigerian government to respond to the growing displacement crisis while also supporting long-term development initiatives aimed at reducing vulnerability.
“With the leadership of government, particularly the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, we are working to respond to displacement challenges while also shifting attention towards development-driven solutions,” she said.
The organisation explained that its interventions in Nigeria are currently focused on three strategic priorities, beginning with saving lives and protecting vulnerable populations affected by crises.
This includes the provision of immediate humanitarian assistance, protection services and life-saving support while also creating pathways that enable displaced persons to recover and rebuild their lives.
The second priority, according to IOM, focuses on promoting durable solutions to displacement by helping affected communities regain stability through safe return, local integration, livelihood opportunities and the development of resilient communities.
“Nigeria must move beyond managing displacement towards more durable solutions,” Sharon said, stressing the need for coordinated efforts among government institutions, development partners and humanitarian organisations.
Also speaking, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, commended the Edo State Government for convening the event and for taking practical steps to address the needs of vulnerable populations, including the establishment of a digitised state social register by the Edo State Operations Coordinating Unit to strengthen social protection and ensure that support reaches those who truly need it.
Felix Omoh-Asun
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