UNHCR Calls for Urgent Action to Support 3.7 Million Forcibly Displaced Nigerians

The UNHCR is already supporting displaced communities by helping them farm, develop irrigation systems, and create employment opportunities.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is urging increased efforts to find sustainable solutions for the 3.7 million forcibly displaced people in Nigeria. During a high-level visit, Raouf Mazou, UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, and Ruven Menikdiwela, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, emphasized the need to enhance self-reliance among displaced communities and commended the Nigerian government for its commitment to international legal obligations, including welcoming over 100,000 asylum-seekers and refugees.

Nigeria is home to over 3.6 million internally displaced people (IDPs), forced from their homes by conflicts, communal clashes, and resource scarcity. The number of IDPs has steadily increased, leaving many reliant on humanitarian aid. Mazou and Menikdiwela stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach involving government leadership, UN agencies, development partners, member states, and the private sector to address this ongoing crisis.

"We cannot watch this protracted situation endure, with families dependent on assistance year after year," Mazou stated. He highlighted the need for livelihood opportunities, noting that many displaced individuals prefer sustainable jobs over handouts. The UNHCR is already supporting displaced communities by helping them farm, develop irrigation systems, and create employment opportunities.

During their visit, the officials traveled to Benue and Borno states, where they met with returnees and emphasized the need for social and economic inclusion activities. Over 30,000 people have returned to Nigeria from Cameroon since the beginning of the year, and the UNHCR is working to ensure they benefit from these initiatives.

Menikdiwela added, "Solutions are the highest form of protection," stressing the need for coordinated efforts among humanitarian, development, and peace partners. UNHCR's Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Abdouraouf Gnon-Konde, highlighted the importance of sustainable solutions across the region, which depend on a supportive protection environment, job opportunities, and development funding.

UNHCR remains committed to working with the Nigerian government to address the root causes of displacement and to help displaced communities rebuild their lives.