Over 6 Million Nigerians Displaced by Insecurity and Natural Disasters: NCFRMI Takes Action

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has reported that over 6.1 million Nigerians have been displaced due to insecurity and natural disasters.

This alarming figure has prompted the commission to take immediate action to address the needs of these individuals and provide them with essential support.

During a visit to Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State on March 9, 2024, the NCFRMI Federal Commissioner, Alhaji Tijjani Aliyu, disclosed the current situation and the commission’s plans to help these displaced individuals.

The visit also included the distribution of food items to approximately 700 displaced people in the state.

The commission has identified that, as of 2022, there were about 3 million displaced persons in Nigeria. However, with the recent floods and other natural disasters, this number has doubled to over 6.1 million.

The NCFRMI is now focusing on finding ways to provide these individuals with skills and education to help them become self-sufficient.

In the 2024–2025 budget, the commission plans to construct three well-furnished skills acquisition centers across the Northeast.

This initiative will enable displaced individuals to learn trades and gain valuable skills to support themselves and their families.

In addition to the skills acquisition centers, the NCFRMI has already provided educational support to 120 children of displaced persons in Katsina State and starter packs to 70 of their mothers to improve their living standards.

The commission has also addressed the water problem in the IDP camp by providing a solar-powered borehole.

Furthermore, the NCFRMI intends to enroll the IDPs in a health insurance scheme to ensure their health needs are met.

The commission has also built settlement cities in IDP camp-located areas for those who may not want to return to their ancestral homes.

Governor Radda commended the commission’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the state and federal government in ensuring the welfare and well-being of the IDPs.

He acknowledged the recent security challenges in the state, particularly in the eight frontline local government councils, and expressed optimism that the situation would improve with the recent deployment of additional security operatives by the federal government.

As Nigeria faces the challenge of a growing number of displaced individuals due to insecurity and natural disasters, the NCFRMI’s proactive approach to addressing their needs is a step in the right direction.

By providing education, skills, healthcare, and other essential support, the commission aims to help these individuals rebuild their lives and regain a sense of normalcy.