IOM commends adoption of SAP  for durable solutions in Northeastern Nigeria

Stanley Ihedigbo

International Organization for Migration (IOM) has commended the adoption of State Action Plans (SAP) for durable solutions to internal displacement by the governments of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States in Northeastern Nigeria.

The SAPs were formally adopted on 27 May during a ceremony presided by Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Kashim Shettima.

The adoption of the State Action Plans demonstrates the States’ firm commitment to prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations and fostering sustainable solutions to the protracted displacement situation in Northeastern Nigeria.

Internal displacement continues to be Nigeria’s primary humanitarian concern with over 2.3 million people currently living in displacement situation. This includes internally displaced persons, returnees (former IDPs) and refugees.

The adoption of these action plans marks a significant milestone in advancing efforts to empower displaced persons to rebuild their lives in a sustainable manner, focusing on durable housing, sustainable livelihoods and social cohesion.

“As an organization driving solutions to displacement situations, we are committed to supporting the transition towards comprehensive, evidence-based, long-term initiatives that focus on helping people rebuild their lives and reconstruct the social fabric”, said, Chief of Mission, IOM Nigeria, Laurent De Boeck.

“The proactive approach taken by the BAY States Government underscores the shared commitment of government authorities, humanitarian partners, and relevant stakeholders to mitigate the impact of displacement and uphold the rights and well-being of affected individuals and communities”, added IOM’s Laurent de Boeck.

IOM holds that each life is worth saving and remains ready to complement government’s effort to comprehensively address the multifaceted challenges of displacement by promoting sustainable solutions that encompass return, local integration, and resettlement as indicated in IOM Nigeria Contribution to Sustainable Solutions for Internal Displaced Persons and Affected Communities in Nigeria.

The need to ensure local integration in facilitating incremental approaches to durable solutions for IDPs, explains IOM support to the Adamawa State Government specifically in providing the technical guidance for the development of the State Action Plan.

IOM reaffirms its unwavering support to the Government of Nigeria and local authorities in implementing these action plans and stands ready to provide technical expertise, resources, and assistance to ensure their effective implementation.