Over 3.7 million Nigerians are currently displaced, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall has said.
Mr Fall noted and stressed that displacement is not just about movement, but about ensuring that every citizen can live in peace and contribute to national development.
He made the observation on Monday during the official launch of the IDP Policy and State Action Plan on Durable Solutions (SAP) for Katsina and Zamfara States, held at Fraser Suites, Abuja.
“The Northwest is now stepping forward, following earlier efforts in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Benue, showing that durable solutions are possible when security, development, and social services advance together,” Fall said.whilr reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria under national leadership, highlighting that in 2025 alone, nearly 150,000 displaced persons accessed livelihoods, in which about 200,000 persons benefited from education and skills training, and more than 38,000 received vital documentation.
In the same vein, UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Elsie Attafua emphasized that internal displacement is a major national concern, impacting both stability and development. She highlighted a shift from short-term humanitarian aid to state-led recovery, reintegration, and long-term development.
She noted that displacement is not just about people moving, but about helping communities thrive, rebuild livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to development.
“The Northwest is progressing, building on lessons from the BAY states and Benue, demonstrating that durable solutions succeed when states lead, institutions are strong, and partnerships are sustained,” she added.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Maryam Yahaya, Director-General of the Northwest Governors’ Forum, observed that displacement in the region goes beyond shelter, causing trauma, loss of dignity, and interrupted lives.
She warned that insecurity affects everyone and stressed the need for inclusive communities, strong governance, and deliberate development.
The event was attended by the; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Dr Bernard Doro, Minister of State Education Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, Minister of Niger Delta Development Hon Abubakar Momoh and Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu; Minister of State Regional Developments.
