Refugee Commission, NALDA, Collaborate To Provide Durable Solutions For IDPs

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in collaboration with the National Agricultural Development Authority,NALDA has signed a Momorandum of Understanding, MoU, to provide durable solutions for all Persons of Concern in Nigeria through agricultural empowerment programme.

The MoU was signed at the National Assembly Complex, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

 

Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijjani Ahmed said the partnership known as “Renewed Hope Restoration Project (REHORP)” is aimed at creating Cluster Farms for profiled IDPs.

He said the project is part of the Commission’s durable solutions strategy for economic reliability, poverty alleviation financial empowerment and livelihood restoration for Internally Displaced Persons across the country.

 

“With NALDA responsible for the development and provision of arable land for farming and NCFRMI with a population of about 6.4 million Internally Displaced Persons ready to be engaged in agricultural activities, we are confident that this collaboration will be mutually beneficial and the much awaited agricultural revolution is about to be birthed” He said.

 

According to him, Agriculture remains the main stay of the nation’s economy, contributing over 65% of the nation’s GDP, fostering economic development, increase local market participation, enhance food security and nutrition.

 

” Creating jobs and stimulating local economics, support rural development, provide sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation, enhance capacity development to increase productivity and efficiency, promote sustainable livelihood and provision of raw materials are part of the benefits of farming amongst other gains”.

 

He further noted that the era of giving handouts and starter packs to Internally Displaced Persons by the Commission will become unfashionable.

 

” The Commission under my leadership deeply believes that it is better to teach a man how to catch fish than to give him fish. With this initiative, the Commission is already implementing the National Action Plan on Durable Solutions ahead of its lunch in the coming months”.

 

Mr Ahmed narrated that the partnership is a major catalyst and a pivot around which so many displaced Nigerian’s will regain their livelihood in dignity.

 

He said it will reshape existence and drive meaningful achievements for the beneficiaries.

 

” It’s about something bigger for our nation’s future. Agricultural best practices and skills will be taught, yield harvested, direct and indirect jobs created, market participation enhanced and lives transformed. This will no doubt contribute to a stronger, self-reliant and prosperous Nigeria that grows not just food but hope, resilience and prosperity”. He explained.

 

The Executive Secretary, National Agricultural Land Development Authority, NALDA, Cornelius Adebayo said the MOU is not just a legal instrument, but a declaration by the Tinubu-led Administration to stand united as a natioi in resolve to addressing the pressing challenges faced by refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons.

 

He said the mandate of NALDA is to practically foster agricultural development and rural empowerment.

 

These are our brothers, sisters, parents, and children, they are not just statistics or headlines-they are human beings with dreams, potential, and aspirations. We believe that no community should be left behind in our collective pursuit of food security and economic growth.

 

He further stated that with the partnership, NALDA will not just provide physical space for growth but also the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to foster self-reliance and restore hope for persons of concern.

 

“This Project will help these communities transform challenges into opportunities, turning barren fields into fertile grounds for growth, prosperity, hope and breaking the cycle of dependence. It will also integrate refugees, migrants, and IDPs into the agricultural value chain, allowing them to contribute to the nation’s food security while also achieving economic independence“. He emphasised.

 

Mr. Adebayo tasked the NCFRMI to ensure that the projects not only succeed but also leave a lasting impact on the communities they both serve.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oyenike Oyeniyi