ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a global partnership to address internal displacement in Nigeria.
He made this appeal during the launch of the state action plans on durable solutions to internal displacement, implemented in Adamawa, Benue, Borno, and Yobe, held at the Presidential Villa Abuja.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Vice President Shettima highlighted the strategy adopted by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to tackle internal displacement, emphasizing the welfare of the people as a priority.
He affirmed the Federal Government of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of displaced citizens.
The Action Plan aligns with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Solution Agenda on Internal Displacement, which aims to help internally displaced persons find durable solutions, prevent new displacement crises, and ensure effective protection and assistance for those facing displacement.
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Unveiling the programme, Shettima stated, “For a country that has endured the devastations of economic disadvantages across generations, we cannot afford further expansion in the displacement of our people.
“So, we remain committed to ensuring that each displaced individual returns to a safer environment and is given a lifeline to start afresh.”
He recalled his experience dealing with conflict and displacement, emphasizing the need for a collaborative, cross-border approach to tackle this multifaceted challenge.
“Let us harness the strength of our partnerships, both local and international, to bring about lasting change,” he said.
The Vice President welcomed support from the United States and other global partners, stressing the importance of a united front transcending political divides.
“We are here to craft solutions that will outlive us, that will offer future generations a place of hope, a home for all, and a land of opportunity where dreams can be pursued without worry. The journey is not merely about addressing the symptoms of displacement but also about tackling the root causes,” he stated.
Outlining the Tinubu administration’s strategy, Shettima pledged investment in sustainable development, education, and economic opportunities as critical components of a comprehensive solution.
Speaking virtually, UN Deputy Secretary-General Ms. Amina J. Mohammed emphasized the priority of finding solutions to internal displacement for Nigeria and the United Nations.
She noted that the global number of internally displaced persons has doubled in ten years to nearly 76 million.
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“Over four million Nigerians remain in search of solutions to their forced displacement,” she stated, adding that the state action plans “capture the first essential steps towards solutions.”
UN Assistant Secretary-General and Special Advisor on Durable Solutions, Robert Piper, commended Nigeria’s commitment and leadership in being the first of 15 pilot countries to launch the programme.
He noted, “In many ways, the plans you launch today provide a model of how governments can take responsibility for ending displacement.”
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, affirmed the state government’s commitment by dedicating 15 per cent of its annual budget to projects under the initiative.
He assured stakeholders of the government’s unwavering dedication to returning displaced persons to their communities.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State described the launch as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for transforming lives in conflict-affected communities.
He praised Shettima’s leadership and the commitment of development partners, aligning with Benue State’s vision of peace and harmony.
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, highlighted projects across health, education, social welfare, and security to ensure displaced persons return to their communities.
He pledged to allocate 5 per cent of the state’s annual budget over the next three years for the action plan.
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The representative of Adamawa State Governor and Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Human Service, Bello Hamman Diram, announced a 7 per cent allocation of the state’s annual budget to the Action Plans.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, commended the progress in the North-East and the government’s approach to encouraging development investments.
“The progress I witnessed during my visit to the North-East recently deserves commendation. Nigeria is the first to prove that government-led intervention is possible. We are proud to be part of the process,” he stated.
Montgomery also called for the mobilisation of additional bilateral and multilateral financing to support these plans.