L-R: Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum; Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni; Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia; Vice President Kashim Shettima; UN Secretary-General, Special Adviser on Durable Solution, Robert Piper; UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Mohamed Fall; British High Commissioner, Mr. Richard Montgomery, and others during the launch of the State Action Plans on Durable Solutions to Internal Displacement at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, May 27, 2024
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for international collaboration to address the issue of internal displacement in Nigeria. Speaking at the launch of the State Action Plans on Durable Solutions to Internal Displacement at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of displaced citizens.
The State Action Plans, an initiative by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, aim to provide lasting solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), prevent new displacement crises, and offer effective protection and assistance. The program will be implemented in the northern states of Adamawa, Benue, Borno, and Yobe.
“For a country that has endured economic challenges across generations, we cannot afford further displacement of our people. We are committed to ensuring that each displaced individual returns to a safer environment and is given a lifeline to start afresh,” Shettima stated.
The Vice President also highlighted the strategy of President Bola Tinubu's administration to tackle internal displacement, focusing on sustainable development, education, and economic opportunities as key components of a comprehensive solution. He emphasized the need for unity across political divides and welcomed support from the United States and other global partners.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, speaking virtually, noted that addressing internal displacement is a priority for both Nigeria and the UN. She highlighted that the number of internally displaced persons globally has doubled to nearly 76 million in the past decade, with over four million Nigerians affected.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Robert Piper commended Nigeria’s leadership, acknowledging it as the first among 15 pilot countries to launch the program. The UN praised the efforts of state governments in drafting actionable plans for durable solutions to internal displacement.
