The plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria has reached a critical juncture, demanding urgent and comprehensive intervention from the Federal Government. Professor Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has forcefully advocated for the establishment of a dedicated agency specifically tasked with addressing the suffering of these displaced individuals. He underscored the dire situation by calling for a state of emergency on IDP issues, emphasizing the need for a dedicated budgetary allocation to effectively tackle the multifaceted challenges they face. Ozekhome’s call to action followed a visit to an IDP camp in Kuchingoro, Abuja, where he witnessed firsthand the deplorable living conditions and the urgent need for intervention.
The conditions within the IDP camp, as described by Ozekhome, are nothing short of appalling. He characterized the environment as one of abject poverty and squalor, likening the inhabitants to “the living dead” or “walking corpses.” Basic necessities such as healthcare and education are conspicuously absent, leaving the displaced population vulnerable and deprived of fundamental human rights. The lack of these essential services not only perpetuates their suffering but also undermines their prospects for a dignified and productive future. This dire situation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and targeted intervention to address the multifaceted challenges confronting these displaced individuals.
Ozekhome’s appeal for a dedicated agency stems from the belief that the current fragmented approach to IDP care is insufficient. He argues that integrating IDP welfare into existing ministries dilutes the focus and resources required for effective intervention. A dedicated agency, he believes, would provide the necessary structure, expertise, and resources to comprehensively address the complex needs of the displaced population. This dedicated focus would enable the development and implementation of targeted programs and initiatives designed to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions for their rehabilitation and reintegration.
Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a legal practitioner who hosted Ozekhome at the IDP camp during his 50th birthday celebration, echoed the call for a state of emergency. He highlighted the direct link between insecurity and displacement, noting that approximately 80% of the IDPs in the camp were forced from their homes due to the prevailing insecurity in the country. This underscores the urgent need for the government to prioritize security measures to stem the tide of displacement and create an environment conducive to safe return and resettlement.
Ejiofor’s decision to celebrate his milestone birthday with the displaced population was not merely symbolic. It stemmed from a deeply personal understanding of their plight. Having experienced homelessness himself in 2019 when his house was tragically burned down, Ejiofor empathizes with the vulnerability and desperation of those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. This personal experience has fueled his commitment to advocating for their needs and highlighting the government’s responsibility in providing for its displaced citizens.
The increasing number of IDP camps across the country serves as a stark reminder of the government’s failure to adequately address the root causes of displacement. Ejiofor pointed out the alarming trend of new camps emerging regularly, with recent arrivals from Maiduguri and other parts of the country highlighting the ongoing displacement crisis. This influx of displaced persons further strains existing resources and underscores the need for proactive measures to prevent further displacement and facilitate the safe return and reintegration of those already displaced. The government’s constitutional responsibility to protect its citizens and provide for their welfare must be upheld to mitigate this escalating humanitarian crisis.
The current situation demands a multi-pronged approach that addresses both the immediate needs and the long-term rehabilitation of IDPs. Immediate needs include providing adequate shelter, food, water, sanitation, healthcare, and education. Long-term solutions should focus on addressing the root causes of displacement, such as insecurity and conflict, and facilitating durable solutions, including voluntary return, local integration, or resettlement. A comprehensive strategy must also include psychosocial support to address the trauma and emotional distress experienced by displaced individuals.
The establishment of a dedicated agency, as advocated by Ozekhome, would be a crucial step towards streamlining and coordinating these efforts. This agency should be empowered to develop and implement comprehensive policies and programs that address the specific needs of different IDP populations, taking into account factors such as age, gender, and vulnerability. It should also work closely with other relevant government agencies, as well as national and international organizations, to ensure effective coordination and resource mobilization.
Furthermore, declaring a state of emergency, as urged by both Ozekhome and Ejiofor, would signal the government’s commitment to prioritizing the IDP crisis and allocating the necessary resources to address it effectively. This would also facilitate the mobilization of international assistance and support for the affected populations. Declaring a state of emergency would send a clear message that the government recognizes the severity of the situation and is taking concrete steps to alleviate the suffering of its displaced citizens.
The alarming conditions in IDP camps across Nigeria demand immediate and decisive action from the Federal Government. The establishment of a dedicated agency, coupled with a declaration of a state of emergency, would demonstrate a commitment to addressing this humanitarian crisis. This combined approach would facilitate the efficient allocation of resources, the development of targeted interventions, and the long-term rehabilitation and reintegration of displaced populations. The government’s responsibility to protect its citizens and provide for their welfare must be upheld to ensure a dignified and sustainable future for all Nigerians, including those forced to flee their homes due to conflict and insecurity. The time for action is now; the lives and futures of countless Nigerians hang in the balance.
