Chijioke Iremeka
The Chief of Mission, International Organisation for Migration Nigeria, Laurent De Boeck, has commended the adoption of State Action Plans for durable solutions to internal displacement in Nigeria.
SAP, which was adopted by the Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe state governments in the North East, was formally launched in Nigeria on May 27, 2024, with a ceremony presided over by the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima.
According to De Boeck, IOM is committed to supporting any action that targets improving the lives of vulnerable people.
He said, “As an organisation driving solutions to displacement situations, we are committed to supporting the transition towards comprehensive, evidence-based, long-term initiatives that focus on helping people rebuild their lives and reconstruct the social fabric.
“The proactive approach taken by the BAY state (Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe) governments underscores the shared commitment of the government authorities, humanitarian partners, and relevant stakeholders to mitigate the impact of displacement and uphold the rights and well-being of affected individuals and communities.”
De Boeck stated that the adoption of the SAP demonstrates states’ firm commitment to prioritising the needs of vulnerable populations and fostering sustainable solutions to the protracted displacement situation in North East, Nigeria.
The organisation noted that internal displacement continues to be Nigeria’s primary humanitarian concern with over 2.3 million people currently living in displacement situations.
This, according to the IOM, includes internally displaced persons, returnees (former IDPs) and refugees across the region.
“The adoption of these action plans marks a significant milestone in advancing efforts to empower displaced persons to rebuild their lives sustainably, focusing on durable housing, sustainable livelihoods, and social cohesion,” it added.
The IOM maintained that each life is worth saving and that it is ready to complement the government’s effort to comprehensively address the multifaceted challenges of displacement.
It noted that this would be achieved through the promotion of sustainable solutions that encompass return, local integration, and resettlement as indicated in IOM Nigeria’s Contribution to Sustainable Solutions for Internal Displaced Persons and Affected Communities in Nigeria.
The Organisation emphasised the need to ensure local integration in facilitating incremental approaches to durable solutions for IDPs, stating that IOM is supporting the Adamawa State government in providing the technical guidance for the development of the SAP.
It reaffirms its unwavering support to the Nigerian government and local authorities in implementing these action plans, adding that IOM is ready to provide technical expertise, resources, and assistance to ensure their effective implementation.
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