Nigeria now has over 3.7 million Internally Displaced Persons – IOM

By Jethro Ibileke

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has revealed that Nigeria currently has more than 3.7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have been forced from their homes due to conflict, climate shocks, environmental challenges and the search for better economic opportunities.

The IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Dimanche Sharon, disclosed this in Benin City at the Edo State Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Summit, themed “Strengthening Systems, Transforming Lives.”

Sharon noted that the figure represents far more than statistics, describing the displaced population as families struggling daily to rebuild their lives with dignity and determination.

According to her, the IOM is working closely with the Nigerian government to address 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.

Sharon explained that the organisation’s interventions in Nigeria are currently anchored on three strategic priorities, beginning with efforts to save lives and protect vulnerable populations affected by crises.

She said this includes the provision of immediate humanitarian assistance, protection services and other life-saving support, while also creating pathways that enable displaced persons to recover and rebuild their lives.

The second priority focuses on promoting durable solutions to displacement, including facilitating safe return, local integration, livelihood opportunities and the development of resilient communities.

“Nigeria must move beyond managing displacement towards more durable solutions,” Sharon stated, stressing the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, development partners and humanitarian organisations.

She also noted that Edo State plays a strategic role in Nigeria’s migration landscape, making partnership with the state government critical to IOM’s migration management efforts.

According to the organisation, it has partnered with the Edo State Government since 2017 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.

Also speaking at the summit, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, commended the Edo State Government for organising the event and for taking practical steps to address the needs of vulnerable populations.

He particularly praised the establishment of a digitised state social register by the Edo State Operations Coordinating Unit, describing it as a key tool for strengthening social protection and ensuring that government support reaches those who need it most.