Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged the federal government to create a comprehensive national strategy to solve Nigeria’s rising Internally Displaced Persons crisis.
Osinbajo, represented by his former Chief of Staff, Ade Ipaye, said at the 10th House of Justice Summit in Kaduna on Friday, themed “From Camp to Justice,” that over 3.4 million Nigerians, largely women and children, are currently displaced due to insurgency, communal violence, and natural disasters.
He cautioned that overcrowded camps, starvation, and a lack of access to education might have long-term implications if immediate action is not taken.
“The scale of displacement has become a national emergency. We need a coordinated approach covering emergency support, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
“Displacement is not just a humanitarian challenge; it is a threat to the social fabric and the future of our children. We cannot afford piecemeal solutions,” Osinbajo said.
The House of Justice praised the summit’s focus on IDPs and encouraged stakeholders (government, civil society, and international partners) to collaborate on practical solutions.
Prof. Dakas Dakas (SAN), Chairman of the Nigeria Law Reform Commission and keynote speaker, emphasized the importance of domesticating the Kampala Convention, a regional treaty protecting IDPs.
“Without domestication, our displaced citizens remain legally unprotected. They are trapped in a policy vacuum,” he said, describing Nigeria’s current IDP policy as “outdated and legally weak.”
Dakas identified issues such as poor institutional coordination, underfunding, and insufficient legal frameworks, which have put IDPs in “precarious and vulnerable” situations.
He emphasized the importance of moving “from camps to justice,” which includes safe returns, local integration, and planned relocation.
“Justice for IDPs is not optional. It is essential for peace and national cohesion. We must ensure accountability for perpetrators of displacement, legislate IDP rights, and establish budgetary allocations to support them,” he said.
He also called for a national reparations fund, inclusion of IDPs in electoral processes to prevent disenfranchisement, and improved data collection.
“Accurate data is critical. The National Population Commission must regularly survey IDPs and integrate them into census exercises. Without data, there can be no meaningful planning,” he added.
Gloria Ballason, Chief Executive Officer of the House of Justice and summit chair, criticized government policies for prioritizing insurgent rehabilitation over victim justice.
She cited widespread displacement and destruction in Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, Niger, and Kwara states, saying that current non-kinetic initiatives such as Operation Safe Corridor and DDRR have not reduced violence.
“Victims need justice, reparations, and psychosocial healing. They need a safe return to their communities. Investing only in insurgents risks normalizing terrorism,” she said.
The conference also celebrated a minute of silence for Nigerians slain in assaults and reaffirmed the need for immediate action on justice, resettlement, and national reconciliation.
“This is a pivotal moment. Our response to the plight of IDPs will define Nigeria’s moral and political future. We must act now,” Ballason concluded.
