The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, has called for greater collaboration between government agencies, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations to address the plight of Nigeria’s 3.2 million internally displaced persons.

Speaking at the 47th Lions Day with United Nation celebration in Abuja on Thursday, the minister emphasised the need for sustainable solutions that provide both food security and financial independence for displaced communities.

“We have 3.2 million people who are displaced. They are not in their homes. They are not in their lands. We need to provide good solutions for them—support systems that can sustain their lives and give them new hope, ” said.

Highlighting an innovative model for IDP empowerment, the minister detailed efforts in Benue State, where 7,000 hectares of land had been cultivated for displaced persons.

Through a partnership involving the UN and the Sustainable Environment and Peace Alliance, he said the IDPs contribute labour while receiving both food and cash in return.

According to him, under this arrangement, 30% of the harvested crops remain with the farmers, while 70% is allocated to support IDPs.

The minister also addressed the challenges of food aid distribution, acknowledging that IDPs often sell donated food items due to a lack of complementary resources, such as condiments, or the need to purchase other essentials.




https://punchng.com/fg-seeks-support-for-3-2-million-displaced-nigerians/