A new approach to long-term stability
Nigeria has taken a major step toward addressing the complex challenges facing displaced people by adopting a new strategy that combines humanitarian aid, development, and peace-building. This commitment was made clear during a high-level meeting in Abuja, where stakeholders emphasized the need for stronger coordination across all sectors to support affected communities.
The Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus is at the heart of this effort. This approach aims to create a more unified framework by linking humanitarian responses with long-term development goals and peace-building activities. To support its implementation, a newly established Policy Coherence and Learning Sub-Working Group has been formed. This group will work to align policies, encourage cross-sector learning, and use data to guide decisions. Its goal is to ensure that the HDP Nexus is integrated into the work of federal, state, and local governments across Nigeria.
Partnerships and past experience
The push to institutionalise the HDP Nexus in Nigeria has been supported by key partners, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), ActionAid Nigeria, and other development organisations. These groups were praised for their role in organizing the event and for their continued efforts to promote a more integrated approach to addressing displacement. ActionAid Nigeria has been particularly active in this space, having spent the last six years working with government institutions, civil society groups, and local communities to demonstrate how combined efforts can lead to more effective recovery and rebuilding.
ActionAid Nigeria will now serve as a co-chair of the Policy Coherence and Learning Sub-Working Group. In this role, the organization has committed to fostering collaboration among different stakeholders and using lessons learned from the ground to improve policies and practices. Its goal is to ensure that real-world experiences contribute to better decision-making at all levels.
The scale of the challenge
Nigeria is facing a severe internal displacement crisis. A government official revealed that the country currently hosts around 6.7 million internally displaced persons, a number that reflects the scale of the ongoing conflict and instability in certain regions. This figure is part of a global trend, as internal displacement has reached more than 83 million people by the end of 2024.
In response to this challenge, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons is shifting its focus from short-term relief efforts to long-term solutions. These include providing housing, supporting farming initiatives, and offering vocational training. The commission's goal is to help displaced individuals become self-sufficient and reduce their dependence on humanitarian aid. The emphasis is on creating a sustainable path for recovery and rebuilding, rather than relying solely on emergency assistance.
Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director General of Peace and Conflict Resolution, described the HDP Nexus as a critical tool for improving outcomes for vulnerable communities. He said the framework's purpose is to bring together humanitarian actors, development organizations, and peace-building groups to work in harmony. By doing so, interventions can be more effective and better suited to the needs of those in conflict-affected and hard-to-reach areas. Ochogwu also emphasized the need to prioritize peace-building within the Nexus, arguing that peace must remain central to all efforts.
The Federal Government, through the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, represented by Mrs. Catherine Bulus, reiterated its commitment to repositioning the country's approach to humanitarian, development, and peace sectors. The government's focus is on strengthening coordination and creating a more integrated system to ensure that the needs of displaced and vulnerable populations are met in a sustainable and lasting way.