Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a global partnership to address the problem of internal displacement in Nigeria.
Shettima pledged the commitment of the Federal Government to ensuring the safety and well-being of displaced citizens in the country.
He made the call on Monday at the launch of the State Action Plans on Durable Solution to Internal Displacement, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanly Nkwocha, the VP outlined the strategy adopted by President BolaTinubu-led administration in tackling the country’s internal displacement challenge.
The Action Plan is a solution agenda by the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, to help internally displaced persons find lasting solutions to displacement, prevent new displacement crises from emerging, and ensure those facing displacement receive effective protection and assistance.
Unveiling the programme, which is to be implemented in four northern states of Adamawa, Benue, Borno and Yobe, Shettima said, “For a country that has endured the devastations of economic disadvantages across generations, we cannot afford further expansion in the displacement of our people. So, we remain committed to ensuring that each displaced individual returns to a safer environment and is given a lifeline to start afresh.”
According to the statement, the VP also welcomed the support of the United States and other global partners, stressing the need for unity across political divides for the task ahead.
“We are here to craft solutions that will outlive us, offer future generations a place of hope, a home for all, and a land of opportunities where dreams can be pursued without worry. The journey is not merely about addressing the symptoms of displacement but also about tackling the root causes,” he said.
Shettima also pledged the investment of the Tinubu administration in sustainable development, education, and economic opportunities as critical components of a comprehensive solution.
On its part, the UN commended the efforts of the state governments in drafting actionable plans for durable solutions to internal displacement.
Speaking virtually, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed noted that proffering such solutions “is a priority for Nigeria and the United Nations Secretary-General,” adding that the global number of internally-displaced persons had doubled to nearly 76 million globally in ten years.
“Over four million Nigerians remain in search of solutions to their forced displacement,” she said, stating that the state action plans “capture the first essential steps towards solution.”
In his remarks, the UN assistant Secretary-General and Special Advisor on Durable Solutions, Mr. Robert Piper, commended Nigeria’s commitment and leadership for being the first country among the 15 pilot countries to launch the programme.