The federal government of Nigeria has approved N15 billion for the repatriation of Internally Displaced Nigerians from three neighbouring nations.
Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are those who fled to Chad, Cameroon, and Niger during the height of Boko Haram and other terrorist actions in the northeast.
Friday, Borno state governor Babagana Zulum briefed reporters at the State House in Abuja following a meeting of the Repatriation, Return, and Resettlement Committee, chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
As stated by Zulum: “A few months ago, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria constituted a commission for the repatriation, return, and resettlement into Nigeria of IDPs residing in the Republics of Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. The sum of N15 billion naira has been released to the committee based on the Vice President’s recommendation as the committee’s chairman. We are here to discuss the implementation procedures; who does what. So far, so good. A lot has been discussed. Many materials will be acquired so that the repatriation operation can commence immediately.”
When asked how many IDPs have been repatriated thus far, the governor of Borno state responded: “About 300,000 people have been repatriated. Under this phase, however, we have yet to initiate the process. This is the fourth phase of the repatriation exercise that will commence shortly. The agencies tasked with handling this situation have been provided with guidelines. What food and non-food things should be distributed to the population? What sort of dwelling should be constructed? What mode of transportation should be used? What is the minimum requirement for returning individuals from neighbouring nations to Nigeria?
These are a few of the topics presented in accordance with worldwide best practices.”
