The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country.
Fall made the commitment during the inaugural Project Steering Committee meeting of the Sustainable Urban Integration of Displaced Population in Adamawa, Yobe and Kano States in Nigeria (SIDPIN), organised by the International Organization for Migration in Abuja.
The meeting also reviewed the European Union Support for Protection, Assistance and Durable Solutions in Sokoto (SPADS) project and explored ways to deepen collaboration in supporting displaced persons and host communities across the BAY states and other conflict-affected areas.
Speaking at the event, Fall said the UN remained dedicated to promoting long-term solutions that foster dignity, self-reliance and social inclusion for displaced populations.
According to him, through its Common Programme on Durable Solutions, the UN reached over 200,000 children and adolescents in 2025 with education and skills development initiatives in communities prioritising durable solutions.
He disclosed that nearly 150,000 people had been supported to access sustainable livelihood opportunities, while close to 40,000 individuals regained access to essential civil documentation.
“We must continue to build on local solutions that are owned by communities and on practical examples that can be expanded and sustained,” Fall said.
The UN official noted that Nigeria currently hosts about 3.5 million internally displaced persons, particularly in areas where the IOM operates.
He stressed that displacement should not be treated solely as a humanitarian issue.
“Displacement is also a development challenge and a human rights imperative. No one should be left behind in the long journey towards dignity.
“The momentum for durable solutions is growing in Nigeria, and it must continue to grow stronger,” he added.
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olubunmi Olusanya, emphasised the need for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to achieve lasting solutions for displaced and vulnerable populations.
Yilwatda said the progress recorded under various intervention programmes reflected the collective commitment of government and development partners to improving the livelihoods of displaced persons and host communities.
“While humanitarian interventions remain indispensable, experience has shown that durable solutions require a more integrated approach that bridges humanitarian action, development efforts and peacebuilding initiatives,” he said.
The Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, also reaffirmed the EU’s support for interventions aimed at addressing the long-term needs of communities affected by insecurity and displacement.
Mignot stressed that sustainable recovery depended on investments capable of creating economic opportunities and strengthening local economies.
“We need to build a future, and this future is still largely unbuilt. This can only happen if we focus on sustainable investment.
“Sustainable investment requires economic analysis, proper planning and the involvement of the private sector,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the EU-funded projects place strong emphasis on improving living conditions and enhancing the resilience of women, children and other vulnerable groups affected by displacement and related socio-economic challenges.
