By Seyi Odewale
More than 3.7 million Nigerians have been forced from their homes due to violent conflict, insecurity and climate-related disasters such as flooding and environmental degradation, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has disclosed.
The IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, disclosed while delivering a goodwill message at the First Edo State Humanitarian Summit in Benin City.
She said the rising number of displaced persons reflects the severe humanitarian pressures confronting communities across the country.
According to Dimanche, behind these figures are families and communities struggling daily to rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience.
She emphasised that humanitarian intervention must go beyond emergency assistance and focus on restoring livelihoods and long-term stability for displaced populations.
“Humanitarian response should not end with emergency relief. It must also restore hope and create opportunities that allow displaced people to rebuild their futures,” she said.
Dimanche explained that IOM’s work in Nigeria is guided by three major priorities: saving lives and protecting people on the move; promoting durable solutions to displacement; and facilitating safe, orderly, and regular migration.
She noted that the organisation is working to ensure that people uprooted by conflict and climate shocks receive life-saving support, protection services and pathways to recovery.
The IOM Chief stressed the need for Nigeria to move beyond temporary management of displacement to more sustainable solutions.
“Nigeria must shift from merely managing displacement to providing durable solutions such as safe return, local integration, and resilient communities where affected people can rebuild their lives,” she stated.
Dimanche also highlighted the role of Edo State in Nigeria’s migration landscape, noting that IOM has maintained a close partnership with the state government since establishing its presence in Benin City in 2017.
*Agency calls for safe return, integration of victims
Through the collaboration, she disclosed that more than 9,000 migrants from Edo State have been supported to return home safely, while over 8,000 individuals have received reintegration assistance to rebuild their livelihoods.
She further revealed that over 1,100 victims of human trafficking have been assisted, receiving protection, counselling and recovery support.
Dimanche added that Migration Information and Job Centres supported by IOM are helping young people access reliable migration information, skills training and employment opportunities.
According to her, public awareness campaigns on safe migration have reached more than three million residents across Edo State, helping communities better understand migration risks and safer alternatives.
She stressed that tackling displacement and migration challenges requires stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
“Addressing displacement and vulnerability demands sustained partnership between governments, the United Nations system, development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector,” she said.
Dimanche reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to working with governments and partners to strengthen humanitarian systems and build resilient communities.
“Our goal is to ensure that migration becomes a pathway to development and opportunity rather than a journey of risk,” she added.
