Nigeria and IOM Unite to Drive Durable Solutions for Displacement
Written By Maxine Ansah
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The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing Nigeria’s displacement crisis with the launch of a new strategy aimed at building resilience and strengthening migration governance.
Ugochi Daniels, IOM’s Deputy Director General for Operations, concluded a four-day visit to Nigeria where she unveiled the organisation’s 2025–2027 Country Strategy in Abuja. Developed with input from federal and state stakeholders, the strategy lays out a roadmap to improve migration governance, reinforce protection systems, and promote long-term solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and affected communities.
“Every displaced family has the right to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity,” said Daniels at the launch. “This strategy is not just IOM’s; it reflects Nigeria’s vision co-created with government and communities to move from crisis to opportunity. Durable solutions are not achieved overnight. They require long-term commitment, coordinated action, and the active participation of those most affected.”
Her visit to Benue State highlighted the urgency of the crisis, with more than half a million people still displaced by inter-communal conflicts and climate shocks. Daniels met families in Ortese and Mega camps, where IOM provides shelter and water services to over 25,000 people. She also engaged with state authorities on the State Action Plan on Durable Solutions, designed with IOM’s technical support. This plan sets out a nationally led framework to help millions of Nigerians move beyond displacement with support from both national resources and international partners.
The Nigerian government demonstrated its commitment by pledging USD 50,000 to IOM’s Resilience Campaign. The initiative is a global effort to strengthen migration governance and provide durable solutions for displaced populations, including those in West Africa.
In Adamawa State, Daniels visited communities that have benefitted from IOM’s durable solutions programmes. These initiatives, run in partnership with state authorities, provide integrated support across housing, livelihoods, education, and essential services. She met with families among the more than 4,300 individuals who have taken part in voluntary relocation and resettlement schemes, many of whom now enjoy new income opportunities and improved access to services.
Nigeria faces one of the most complex displacement challenges in the world, with more than 3.5 million people uprooted within its borders. IOM, as the lead UN agency implementing the Secretary-General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement in Nigeria, continues to work closely with government institutions, civil society, the private sector, and affected communities to advance durable solutions that are both locally owned and development focused.
The Deputy Director General’s visit reaffirmed IOM’s long-term support for Nigeria’s efforts to address immediate humanitarian needs while laying foundations for peace, stability, and sustainable development.