The House of Representatives on Wednesday asked government agencies to come up with a plan that will help Internally Displaced Persons across Nigeria return to normal life.
This came after a motion was moved during the plenary session by Felix Nwaeke, who represents the Eleme/Oyigbo/Tai Federal Constituency in Rivers State.
As of April 2024, Nigeria had about 3.3 million people living in over 300 IDP camps spread across states like Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
Many of these people, mostly women and children, were forced to flee their homes because of insecurity and have been living in harsh conditions.
According to Nwaeke, the conditions in these camps remain poor, despite visits from humanitarian groups and government bodies. Many displaced persons are still in need of better food, shelter, security, and emotional support.
He pointed out that just returning them to their homes when peace returns will not be enough, especially without a proper support system.
The House believes that there must be a plan to help these people adjust to normal life again. Such a plan should include help with food, money, clothing, and mental health care.
Without this, many of them might be left to suffer even after going back to their communities.
Following the debate, lawmakers directed the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, along with the National Emergency Management Agency, to carry out a full review of the IDP camps and come up with a reintegration plan.
The House also asked its Committee on Emergency and Disaster Management to follow up and make sure this is done.
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