More than 3.7 million people are currently living in displacement across Nigeria due to conflict, violence, and climate-related shocks such as flooding and environmental pressures.
The Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, disclosed this while delivering a goodwill message at the First Edo State Humanitarian Summit in Benin City.
Dimanche said the growing displacement figures represent families striving to rebuild their lives with dignity, stressing that humanitarian action must go beyond emergency response to restoring hope and opportunities for affected communities.
According to her, the organisation’s humanitarian work in Nigeria focuses on three key priorities: saving lives and protecting people on the move, promoting durable solutions to displacement, and facilitating safe, orderly and regular migration.
She explained that the IOM is working to ensure that vulnerable populations displaced by conflict and climate shocks receive life-saving assistance, protection and support to recover their livelihoods.
Dimanche emphasised the need for Nigeria to move beyond managing displacement to implementing durable solutions such as safe return, local integration and the creation of resilient communities where displaced persons can rebuild their futures.
She also highlighted the role of Edo State in Nigeria’s migration landscape, noting that the IOM has partnered with the state government since establishing its presence in Benin City in 2017.
Through the partnership, she said the organisation has supported more than 9,000 migrants from Edo State to return home safely, while over 8,000 people have received reintegration assistance to rebuild their livelihoods.
Dimanche added that the organisation has assisted more than 1,100 victims of human trafficking with protection, counselling and recovery support.
She further noted that through Migration Information and Job Centres supported by the IOM, young people across the state are receiving guidance on safe migration, skills development and employment opportunities.
According to her, awareness campaigns on safe migration have also reached more than three million people across Edo State, helping communities better understand migration risks and opportunities.
Dimanche stressed that addressing displacement and vulnerability requires sustained collaboration between governments, the United Nations system, development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector.
She reaffirmed the IOM’s commitment to continue partnering with the Edo State Government to strengthen humanitarian systems, support resilient communities and ensure migration becomes a pathway to development and opportunity rather than a journey of risk.
