38% of IDPs favor residing in host communities, report indicates

The displacement crisis in the North-East, described as one of the most complex globally, has displaced over 2.3 million people due to violence from non-state armed groups, inter-communal conflicts, and the compounded impacts of climate change and environmental degradation.

A recent survey by the International Organisation for Migration, the Federal Government, the National Bureau of Statistics, the Nigeria Red Cross Society, and other humanitarian partners revealed that 38 percent of Internally Displaced Persons in the North-East prefer to settle within host communities.

The IDPs, from both camps and camp-like settings, pointed to security as the primary reason for their preference, the report states.

Titled ‘Intention Survey: Voices of Internally Displaced Persons in North-East Nigeria,’ the survey was conducted from November 16 to December 18, 2023.

The IOM explains that the survey's purpose was to highlight the IDPs' voices and choices regarding their preferred long-term solutions, which include voluntary return to their original homes, voluntary local integration, or voluntary relocation within the country.

The displacement crisis in the North-East, described as one of the most complex globally, has displaced over 2.3 million people due to violence from non-state armed groups, inter-communal conflicts, and the compounded impacts of climate change and environmental degradation.

Since the crisis began, the IOM's Displacement Tracking Matrix has been crucial in collecting and analyzing data, providing essential multi-layered information on the movements, vulnerabilities, and needs of displaced and mobile populations. This data supports decision-makers and responders in delivering emergency humanitarian aid and more sustainable solutions.

The survey, which included over 25,000 IDP families across 107 Local Government Areas and 837 wards in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States, took place between November 16 and December 18, 2023.

Findings from the six states indicate that 38 percent of IDPs in camps, camp-like settings, and host communities prefer to assimilate into the host communities, with security being the key factor for this choice.

The report also discloses that 37 percent of surveyed IDPs desire to return to their original communities if living conditions are satisfactory. A mere two percent are considering relocating to another LGA or state.

Laurent de Boeck, the IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission, commented, "The release of this report, a collaborative effort with Federal and State agencies as well as humanitarian partners in the north-east, reflects our shared dedication to informed decision-making and the importance of heeding the displaced population's input when crafting policies and interventions."

The report identifies hunger and inadequate nutrition as the foremost concerns for displaced families considering returning, with an overwhelming 90 percent citing these issues.

Unemployment and housing conditions also worry a significant portion of the IDPs. Those contemplating returning have cited the absence of financial means, basic social services, and economic opportunities as obstacles to their relocation.

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