The ongoing abandonment of over 3.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria, despite billions of naira being budgeted for their welfare, represents a gross dereliction of duty by both the federal and state governments. Driven from their homes by conflicts and natural disasters, these vulnerable Nigerians now live in dire conditions, relying on humanitarian aid to survive. It is the government’s responsibility to provide for their welfare and ensure their safe return to their communities as soon as possible.

Recent reports highlight the appalling conditions many IDPs face, revealing a deep failure on the part of the Nigerian state. Aid agencies have identified the North-East region as home to over half of these displaced individuals, with more than 304 camps and over 2,000 locations spread across the region. Additionally, Nigeria currently hosts around 73,000 refugees from 23 different countries, with over 500,000 Nigerians awaiting repatriation from Chad, Niger, Cameroon, and other countries, according to the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).

The situation is particularly dire in Zamfara State, where many IDPs, displaced by violent bandit attacks, have resorted to begging and scavenging to survive. They have been left to shelter in incomplete buildings, motor parks, and marketplaces in the state capital, Gusau. Similarly, in Benue State, thousands of people displaced by the deadly incursions of Fulani herdsmen since 2010 remain in dire conditions, with many still lacking proper camp facilities.

In many of these camps, basic needs such as food, water, sanitation, education, and healthcare remain severely inadequate or completely absent. Despite promises from the NCFRMI to build “resettlement cities” in Borno, Kano, Edo, and Katsina, these have yet to materialize. Further complicating the situation, the overlapping responsibilities of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), NCFRMI, and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) create inefficiencies and breed corruption.

Governments at all levels, backed by international relief agencies, must urgently prioritize durable solutions for the displaced population. This includes resettling these individuals in their home communities once it is safe to do so. In the interim, their immediate needs must be addressed through the provision of emergency shelters, clean water, food, sanitation, and essential items such as blankets and hygiene kits.

Healthcare and psychological support are also critical for the displaced, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, women, and the elderly. Mobile clinics should be deployed, and vaccination programs initiated to prevent the outbreak of diseases. In camps, temporary schools and vocational training centers should be set up to ensure children receive an education and adults can regain economic independence.

The security of IDPs must also be a top priority. They need protection from violence, exploitation, and abuse. Strong legal frameworks must be implemented and enforced to safeguard their rights and dignity.

Some efforts are being made to address the crisis. For example, the United Nations’ action plan aims to take at least 10 million people out of displacement globally, with Nigeria selected as one of the pilot countries. The Labondo Local Integration Pilot Project in Adamawa State is currently supporting 454 households. Additionally, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has made progress in constructing cluster resettlement homes for IDPs in Benue, and in October, 40 houses were handed over to IDPs in Gusau.

Despite these initiatives, more needs to be done. Nigeria’s government must strengthen its commitment to the care and resettlement of IDPs in accordance with international humanitarian law, which mandates protection for individuals displaced by armed conflict. The resources and political will to solve this crisis exist—what is needed is concerted, accountable action.

In summary, Nigeria’s government must prioritize the welfare of its displaced citizens, ensuring they receive the care they need in the short term and are eventually reintegrated into their home communities. This is not just a legal obligation, but a moral one that must be met to restore dignity and hope to millions of displaced Nigerians.