Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a global partnership to address the pressing issue of internal displacement in Nigeria, urging the international community to join forces in tackling one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
Speaking at a high-level event on internal displacement hosted by the Nigerian government in Abuja, Shettima emphasized the need for a coordinated and comprehensive approach to find durable solutions for the millions of Nigerians who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, violence, and natural disasters.
“The scale of internal displacement in Nigeria is staggering, and it demands a collective response from all stakeholders,” Shettima said.
“We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the plight of our fellow citizens who have been uprooted from their homes and communities.”
According to the latest figures from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), Nigeria has the third-highest number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Africa, with over 3.2 million people displaced as of the end of 2023.
According to Channel Television, the majority of these displacements have been caused by the ongoing conflict with the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeastern part of the country, as well as intercommunal violence, natural disasters, and the impacts of climate change.
The Vice President painted a grim picture of the situation, highlighting the immense challenges faced by displaced communities, including lack of access to basic services, food insecurity, and protection concerns.
“We have witnessed the devastating consequences of displacement on families and communities,” he said.
“Children have been deprived of education, women have been subjected to gender-based violence, and entire communities have lost their livelihoods.”
Shettima emphasized that addressing the root causes of displacement, such as conflict, violence, and climate change, is crucial to finding sustainable solutions.
He called on the international community to support Nigeria’s efforts in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development, which are essential for preventing future displacements.
“We cannot solve this crisis alone,” Shettima stated. “We need the support and cooperation of our global partners to address the multifaceted challenges that drive displacement in Nigeria.”
The Vice President also highlighted the importance of involving displaced communities in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.
“We must amplify the voices of those who have been displaced and ensure that their needs and aspirations are at the forefront of our efforts,” he said.
Shettima outlined a comprehensive strategy to address internal displacement in Nigeria, which includes:
Strengthening the country’s security architecture to address the root causes of conflict and violence.
Investing in sustainable development initiatives to promote economic opportunities and resilience in affected communities.
Enhancing disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation measures to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards.
Improving the living conditions in displacement camps and ensuring access to basic services for IDPs.
Facilitating durable solutions, such as voluntary return, local integration, or resettlement, in a safe and dignified manner.
Strengthening partnerships with international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to mobilize resources and expertise.
In his concluding remarks, Shettima urged the international community to heed the call for a global partnership to end internal displacement in Nigeria.
“This is not just a Nigerian problem; it is a global challenge that requires a global response,” he said.
“Together, we can build a future where no one is forced to flee their home, and where those who have been displaced can rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.”
The Vice President’s impassioned plea resonated with representatives from various international organizations, donor countries, and civil society groups in attendance, who pledged their support and commitment to addressing the crisis.
As the event drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of urgency and determination to translate words into action.
The road ahead may be long and arduous, but the global community has taken a significant step towards addressing one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of our time.
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