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Nigeria has received high commendation from senior United Nations officials for its leadership and progress in addressing internal displacement. The recognition follows a three-day joint mission to the country by representatives from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director General for Operations at IOM; Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations at UNHCR; and Shoko Noda, Director of the Crisis Bureau at UNDP, jointly urged global and national partners to build on Nigeria’s achievements through coordinated and inclusive approaches. They emphasised that sustained international engagement is crucial to ensure that durable, development-driven solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) are fully realised.
The delegation highlighted that Nigeria’s forthcoming National Development Plan (2026–2030) presents a vital opportunity to embed lasting solutions for IDPs into national development and financing priorities. They further called on international financial institutions and development partners to increase support through sustainable, long-term financing. Such investment, they noted, is essential to shift the focus from short-term humanitarian responses to self-reliance, economic recovery, and resilience.
During their mission, the UN officials met with the Yobe State Policy Advisory Committee on Durable Solutions, which includes the Deputy Governor, traditional leaders, State commissioners, and IDP representatives. Authorities in Yobe State revealed that 24 per cent of the State’s annual budget is now allocated to implementing its State Action Plan on Durable Solutions, one of the most significant government commitments of its kind globally.
“Humanitarian needs remain urgent and security remains a top priority, but durable solutions cannot be achieved through humanitarian aid alone,” said Ugochi Daniels. “What we witnessed in Yobe State is government leadership and development approaches in action. Importantly, IDP representatives took part in the discussions as members of the official delegation, reflecting a shift from being seen as beneficiaries to recognised partners and decision makers.”
Nigeria is one of 15 pilot countries under the UN Secretary-General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement. The country has demonstrated strong national ownership through its National Policy on Internal Displacement, adopted in 2022, and through the implementation of State Action Plans for Durable Solutions in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Benue States.
According to Raouf Mazou, Nigeria’s approach signals a shift “from humanitarian aid to self-reliance, from short-term response to long-term recovery.” He noted that Nigeria’s model stands out for its deliberate effort to link public investment with private sector engagement. “Harnessing private capital and innovation is essential to create jobs, rebuild livelihoods, and help displaced families achieve self-sufficiency,” he added.
In Abuja, the delegation held high-level discussions with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. Talks centred on integrating durable solutions for IDPs into Nigeria’s forthcoming National Development Plan and on mobilising blended, long-term financing to sustain progress. The Nigerian Government reaffirmed that addressing internal displacement remains both a development and investment priority.
“Nigeria’s leadership on durable solutions is impressive, and the ingredients for success are already in place,” said Shoko Noda. “Nigeria has the potential to build a comprehensive model in support of solutions, one that can inspire similar progress in other displacement contexts.”
The UN officials also noted that Nigeria has benefited from new global arrangements designed to advance durable solutions for IDPs. The Internal Displacement Solutions Fund (IDSF) has provided catalytic support for State-level data, policy, and coordination structures. Additionally, the presence of a Resident Coordinator Adviser on Durable Solutions, operating under the global Solutions Hub, ensures stronger, system-wide collaboration across UN agencies.
Concluding their visit, the UN officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Government of Nigeria in driving durable, inclusive, and nationally owned responses to internal displacement. They urged development partners to sustain their engagement and financial support to match the scale of Nigeria’s ambition.