The House of Representatives has pressed for comprehensive data on Nigerians displaced by natural disasters, as well as others affected in neighboring countries.
This call was made by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, during a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday with Tijani Ahmed, Federal Commissioner for the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons
In a statement released on Thursday by Kalu’s Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu underscored the urgent need to address the rising displacement caused by severe climate-related events such as flooding and erosion.
He tasked the commission with compiling a thorough report on the hardships facing displaced Nigerians nationwide, which would enable the House to better assess and respond to the needs of affected citizens.
“We are charging your commission to give us the total report on the plight of Nigerians currently all across the country,” Kalu said, emphasizing the need for accurate data to guide the government’s response. “So, let the commission have an intervention fund dedicated to doing the proper needs analysis so that as we do the budget, we look into it. This is part of the oversight function. So, get us a report on that.”
Kalu highlighted that the commission’s mandate covers refugees and IDPs displaced not only by conflict but also by climate-related issues.
“You can’t be internally displaced only through war or crisis. You can be internally displaced through climate-induced displacement and that’s what we are experiencing now,” he remarked. “The climate is at war with us. So, the issue of mitigation and adaptation is something that, as a government, we must take seriously but in doing that, agencies like you which manage the consequences of these climate impacts need to be aware that it’s beyond what we are seeing currently.”
Referring to recent natural disasters like the flooding in Maiduguri, Kalu pointed to widespread displacement occurring throughout the country.
He expressed concern over the adequacy of funding for the commission and stressed the need for an increased budget allocation.
“How prepared are you?” Kalu asked. “I checked your budget last year and was wondering if a budget of N1.6 billion or thereabout will be able to handle that across the country. And I have not heard your agency bring it to the fore, both in the parliament and also to Nigerians, maybe through a documentary to show us the volume of the needs analysis, showcasing the plight of Nigerians.”
Kalu further urged the commission to produce a national needs assessment of climate-induced displacement within two weeks, which would aid in budgeting decisions and be forwarded to the Budget Office of the Federation.
“The parliament needs to hear from you on the total national needs analysis of internally displaced persons. And the impact of climate-induced displacement. We need to get a document on that,” he instructed.
In response, Ahmed thanked the Deputy Speaker for the audience and affirmed the commission’s commitment to delivering the requested report within the stipulated timeframe.
He appealed for additional funding, highlighting the commission’s financial challenges in meeting the needs of displaced persons.
“We thank you for giving us this audience today and I have listened carefully. We will ensure that these individuals who are our own are returned,” Ahmed said. “We will put the reports together, both the refugees and displaced persons, to show the parliament and for you to also see the plight of the commission in the area of funding.”
