The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr Joseph Ochogwu, has called for the full implementation of the National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.
Dr Ochogwu described both frameworks as “critical to Nigeria’s peace, security and sustainable development.”
He made the call in his address at the Third Quarter Policy Review Dialogue of the Network of Policymakers and Religious Leaders to Support Peace, Security and Reconciliation, held in Abuja.
The theme of the dialogue was “Reviewing and Enhancing the Implementation of the National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria.”
He noted that internal displacement in Nigeria has evolved from a peripheral humanitarian concern into a major national challenge, driven by violent conflict, communal clashes, climate-related disasters and governance deficits.
According to him, by the end of 2023, about 3.4 million Nigerians were internally displaced, with fresh waves of displacement recorded in 2025, particularly in Benue and Borno States, affecting mostly women and children.
“These figures represent not just statistics, but disrupted lives, fractured communities and strained relations between displaced persons and host communities,” Dr Ochogwu said.
He commended the Nigerian Government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for prioritising human security and social inclusion.
He noted that the approval of the National IDP Policy aligned with international standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement and the African Union’s Kampala Convention.
The IPCR boss, however, stressed that policy formulation alone does not guarantee impact, pointing to challenges such as weak institutional coordination, inadequate data systems, limited awareness among displaced persons, and insufficient engagement of host communities.
He described the policy dialogue as timely and strategic, aimed at identifying implementation gaps and translating policy commitments into tangible improvements in the lives of displaced Nigerians.
According to him, poorly managed displacement can fuel communal tensions, while inclusive and coordinated responses can promote peacebuilding, reconciliation and national cohesion.
Dr Ochogwu emphasised the need for strong partnerships among government agencies, humanitarian actors, civil society, religious and community leaders, and displaced persons themselves.
He particularly acknowledged the strategic partnership between IPCR and the KAICIID International Dialogue Centre in advancing inclusive dialogue and social cohesion.
Dr Ochogwu urged participants to ensure that internal displacement issues are mainstreamed into the National Development Plan 2026–2030, warning that failure to move from emergency relief to development-driven solutions could make displacement a permanent condition for millions of Nigerians.
In his remarks, the Acting Secretary-General of the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID), Ambassador Antonio de Almeida Ribeiro, represented by Country Expert, Dr Joseph Atang, said, “KAICIID was honoured to co-facilitate the dialogue alongside IPCR.”
He commended IPCR and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) for sustaining a platform that strengthens collaboration between policymakers and religious leaders in support of peace, security and reconciliation.
Dr Atang said the dialogue’s focus on the National Gender Policy and National IDP Policy was crucial, stressing that gender inclusion is a governance and peacebuilding imperative.
He noted that women and girls face heightened risks during conflict and displacement, while also playing vital roles in community resilience and reconciliation.
Dr Atang also highlighted persistent challenges in implementing the IDP Policy, particularly in coordination, resource mobilisation and community-level impact, adding that religious leaders are critical partners due to their moral authority and grassroots reach.
KAICIID, he said, encouraged the Network to institutionalise robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, with clear indicators and accountability frameworks, to ensure that policy recommendations translate into measurable outcomes.
“As we approach the end of 2025, KAICIID reaffirms its commitment to supporting this Network through technical assistance, knowledge exchange and sustained partnership,” he added.