The European Union (EU) has committed €15 million to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Yobe, Adamawa, Benue, Kano, and Sokoto States.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, announced the funding in Abuja at the launch of two projects: the EU Support for Internally Displaced Persons in Yobe, Adamawa, Benue and Kano States (SIDPIN) and the EU Support for Protection, Assistance and Durable Solutions in Sokoto (SPADS).
Mignot said the initiatives, implemented in partnership with IOM, UN-Habitat, UNHCR, and the Danish Refugee Council, will promote durable solutions through local integration, with a strong focus on women and children.
“These actions aim to improve the living conditions of displaced populations and host communities by adopting sustainable urban integration approaches that are replicable and scalable,” he stated.
The envoy noted that displacement in Nigeria has affected more than 3.5 million people, stressing that many IDPs may not return home soon due to insecurity. He emphasized that the EU’s response must go beyond emergency aid to address root causes and build resilience.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia thanked the EU and partners for their support, pledging government cooperation for effective implementation.
Also speaking, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Fall said the projects are about “restoring lives interrupted by conflict and displacement” and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to integrating durable solutions into Nigeria’s development planning.
The SIDPIN and SPADS projects, developed through extensive consultations with government and stakeholders, align with both national and state displacement action plans and the EU’s regional strategy for West Africa.
