The displacement crisis in Nigeria is worsening

19 July 2018

About 1.7 million people have been displaced due to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Nigeria.

The long-standing conflict between non-state armed groups and the military has caused increasing levels of displacement. A large number of the displaced arrive at garrison towns which have a very limited capacity for new arrivals.

The security perimeters of these towns are very restricted and while aid organisations continue to provide support it has been of low standard.
All sectors of aid delivery are affected, including food distribution, water availability, and shelter capacity. Health provision is also weak in several areas. Although food distribution has shifted from general distribution to targeted distribution, some areas are still experiencing problems with food supply. Similarly, key water delivery have left and there are limited numbers of humanitarian workers in remote areas.

However, donor fatigue does not seem to be a problem. With the influx of funds, nearly 100 countries and international NGOs are working in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

Perception of security is also an issue. Although there have been some security incidents, compared to other conflict effected countries such as Afghanistan, the Central African Republic and South Sudan the number of incidents is lower.

Humanitarian hubs have been set up to offer accommodation, internet, and security to support the implementation of local projects; however, their occupation levels are low. Meanwhile, there is little information about the needs of the people in need who are trapped in areas that humanitarian organisations cannot access.

Given the limited scope of security, the fields in the enclave can only feed a small percentage of the population because there is little space to grow crops. The displaced are dependent on food aid. The only way this dependence can be reduced is by leaving the enclaves; however, this can be very dangerous.

A large number of displaced have suffered severe trauma and the camps offer little mental health services to support those affected. Some people have been forced to flee their homes many times and this can cause serious strain on mental health.
Plans are currently in place for tens of thousands of people living in enclaves or refugee camps to be relocated in the next few months.

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Image credit: UN