In furtherance of their commitment to ending internal displacement in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, the government of Nigeria and the United Nations (UN) have unveiled the States Action Plans on Durable Solutions to Internal Displacement in Nigeria.
The unveiling was done on May 28 at the Presidential Villa in Abuja by Vice President, Kashim Shettima and the UN’s Assistant Secretary General, and Special Adviser on Solutions to Internal Displacement, Robert Piper.
The Action Plans, according to him, are anchored in international standards and the Kampala Convention; driven by real political leadership; and are geared to mobilize development investments.
“The plans you launch today provide a model of how governments can take responsibility for ending displacement. The plans recognise that displaced people can choose between going back home, properly integrating where they are right now or relocating elsewhere in the country.
“We will stand behind you. Let me reiterate our commitment on behalf of the United Nations: We will keep supporting on the ground; we will help rally donors; we will chase missing partners; we will celebrate your successes,” said Piper.
In his remarks, Shettima noted the importance of investing in sustainable development, education and economic opportunities to build resilient communities.
“By doing so, we not only address the immediate needs of the displaced but also create a foundation for a more stable and prosperous future,” he stressed.
The Vice President noted that the launch of the Action Plans was meant to craft solutions that would outlive the present generation, and offer future generations a place of hope, a home for all, and a land of opportunity where dreams could be pursued without worry.
“As we launch these States Action Plans, let us commit to collaborative efforts that transcend borders and political divides. Let us harness the strength of our partnerships, both local and international, to bring about lasting change. The task ahead is immense, but with determination, unity, and a clear vision, we can make a profound difference,” said Shettima.
Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed commended the governments of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe for their actions to scale up solution pathways in their state action plans, noting that achieving durable solutions was a priority for both Nigeria and the UN Secretary-General.
“Finding durable solutions to internal displacement is central to achieving the sustainable development goals in Nigeria and beyond, and they must become an integral part of development plans in areas affected by forced displacement,” said the Deputy Secretary-General.
She emphasized that durable solutions required long-term investments in infrastructure, education, health care, as well as in security and the enablers of social contract with the people.
Mohammed added: “Our joint efforts must offer the promise of inclusive governance, human dignity, and a world where we leave no one behind.”
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Richard Montgomery, who spoke on behalf of the informal North-East Ambassador Group, emphasised that the group shared a collective interest in the government’s efforts to bring peace to the North East.
“We stand in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration. As regards the durable solutions to internal displacement in the northeast, Montgomery noted, “No one country has the answer. We must join hands to ensure sustainable solutions to internally displaced persons (IDPs) issues in Nigeria.”
At the launch were the Governors of Borno, Yobe, and Benue states, Prof. Babagana Zulum, Mai Mala Buni and Fr. Hyacinth Alia, as well as the Adamawa State Commissioner for Reconstruction Rehabilitation Reintegration and Human Service, Bello Hamman Diram, who represented Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
