By Ebi Kesiena
The Federal Government on Tuesday launched the National Policy for Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs which will provide a framework for National responsibility towards protection and prevention of citizens from all forms of Internal displacement.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, while speaking at the launch and inauguration of Technical working group for developing implementation plan disclosed that the policy will ensure integration, relocation after displacement adding that the policy has been reviewed severally to reflect new realities in the humanitarian space.
Recall that in 2021 the Federal Executive Council, FEC had approved the IDPs Policy with the aim of strengthen the institutional mechanism and frameworks for the realisation of the rights, dignity and wellbeing of vulnerable populations through the mitigation of impact and achievement of durable solutions to internal displacements in Nigeria.
The minister, who described the policy as a guiding principle towards human sharing system stated that it will implement a durable solution in the situation of IDPs in Nigeria and has adopted a human rights-based approach.
“The policy will also integrate provisions of existing internal conventions, treaties, protocols and internal assessment guided by the sisters of international human rights laws.
“It therefore draws the UN guiding principles, internal displacement and minimum centres for humanitarian assistance which has significantly defined the direction of this policy” she said
Farouq explained that the ministry has recently flagged up the training of the exited and current beneficiaries known as the Nexit which is a program where exited beneficiaries are trained with the CBN providing loans to enable them such businesses have their own set it can become employers of labour.
Meanwhile, Farouq noted that the Launch of the Humanitarian Open House aim at creating an enabling environment for communication among stakeholders and the public to communicate successes and challenges recorded.
Faroq added that there is a plan to ensure monitoring and evaluation which will promote compliance.
“The policy framework and scope will determine the extent of achievement and goals, also meet the needs of people who need a helping hand from government.
“Understandably, our work has placed the ministry in a close friendship with the media sector in Nigeria, humanitarian actors, civil society organizations, collaborating ministries, departments and agencies, and general public.
“In order for the ministry to effectively provide desired a much needed coordination and leadership it was conceived to provide it must have a means of effectively and consistently communicating his activities progress and the challenges that we’re faced by directly engaging with partners, stakeholders and the general public.
“And it is against this background, humanitarian open house is being hoisted with the theme “Coordinating for Durable Humanitarian Solutions: The Journey So far.
She however added that an integral part of the open house humanitarian hub has been created as a veritable platform for the ministry, his agencies, partners and stakeholders to directly engage and connect with visitors the media and other key partners and stakeholders.
Speaking earlier was Speaker, HOR Femi Gbajabiamila who was represented by Hon Mohammed Umar Jega explained that the F.G through the ministry has been able to create a framework and program to reintegrate and create a sense of dignity for IDPs in the society.
He added that the open house will further showcase the achievement of the ministry, success stories, what has been done and what still needs to be do.
Also, Federal-Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, NCFRMI Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained that the F.G has a updated data of all refugees and IDPs in the country adding that the commission is doing all it can to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
“We are doing all we can, it’s a process to ensure that we have the right framework inplace for speedy reintegration. This policy will ensure that everyone knows their role and take responsibility of it.” she said.
The event also featured a tour of the humanitarian hub.
