The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) revealed that more than 6.1 million Nigerians have been displaced by insecurity and natural disasters. This information was shared by the NCFRMI’s Federal Commissioner, Alhaji Tijjani Aliyu, during a recent visit to Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State.
Aliyu disclosed that the number of displaced persons had significantly increased due to floods and other natural calamities, with the current figure surpassing 6.1 million. He emphasized the need for sustainable solutions to support these individuals, including skills training and empowerment programs.
To address this challenge, the NCFRMI plans to establish three well-furnished skills acquisition centers across the Northeast region, as part of the 2024/2025 budget. Aliyu highlighted the importance of providing displaced persons with skills and training to enable them to become self-reliant.
During the visit, the commission distributed food items to about 700 displaced people in Katsina State. Aliyu noted that the commission had been actively involved in providing assistance to displaced persons, including educational support for children and training programs for mothers.
In addition to skills acquisition initiatives, the NCFRMI has intervened in addressing other needs of displaced communities, such as water supply. Aliyu mentioned the commission’s efforts in providing solar-powered boreholes and establishing settlement cities for those unwilling to return to their ancestral homes.
Furthermore, the commission intends to enroll IDPs in a health insurance scheme to address their healthcare needs. Governor Radda commended the commission’s efforts and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the state and federal government to ensure the welfare of IDPs.
Governor Radda highlighted the security challenges faced by the state, particularly in frontline local government areas, affecting food production and displacing communities. However, he expressed optimism about the recent improvement in security following the deployment of additional security personnel.
The distribution of food items to IDPs marked the continuation of the commission’s humanitarian assistance efforts in Katsina State, underscoring the collective responsibility to support displaced persons and enhance their well-being.