FG, UNHCR adopt strategy in tackling IDPs, Refugee management

The Federal Government has adopted new strategies in tackling the challenge of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugee management in the country. The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu said the strategies were necessary as refugees and displacement of persons had become a global phenomenon.

Senator Bagudu stated this while receiving a delegation from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), led by the Commission’s Assistant High Commissioner (Operations), Mr Raouf Mazou, in Abuja.

Senator Bagudu said strategies would involve enhancing the coordination of financing and planning efforts across Federal, State, and Local governments in Nigeria.

He explained that the initiative would align with Nigeria’s federal structure and address the critical issues of internal displacement and refugee management.

Senator Bagudu emphasized the Ministry’s readiness to engage with development partners, including the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and other UN agencies, who have been instrumental in supporting Nigeria’s initiatives.

“This support is crucial as Nigeria confronts challenges related to internal displacement, exacerbated by regional conflicts and climate change”.

Raouf Mazou, the Assistant High Commissioner for Operations for UNHCR, highlighted the need for a shift from short-term humanitarian responses to long-term development approaches in addressing forced displacement.

“Nigeria’s significant refugee and internally displaced populations, the growing trend of long-term displacement, and the necessity of integrating displaced individuals into development plans”.

Mazou also suggested utilizing resources and facilities like those provided by the World Bank and collaborating with private sector actors to enhance self-reliance and effective solutions for displaced populations.

Writing by Daniel Adejo