The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has raised fresh alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation in Nigeria’s North-West, revealing that more than 1.3 million people have been displaced by insecurity as of February 2025.
The disclosure came on Monday during the launch of a European Union–supported initiative, Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR), in Katsina State.
Speaking at the event, IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission, Dimanche Sharon, lamented the scale of devastation caused by banditry, violent clashes and climate shocks in the region.
“Too many families have been displaced, too many farms abandoned, and too many lives disrupted by insecurity. Yet, in spite of these challenges, the people of Katsina and Zamfara have shown resilience, determination, and the will to rebuild,” Sharon said.
According to the IOM, the crisis has stripped many families of their homes, livelihoods and access to food. Farmers have deserted farmlands, heightening fears of worsening food insecurity in a region already battling malnutrition and poverty.
A United Nations report earlier this year projected that over 26.5 million Nigerians could face acute food insecurity in 2025, with the North-West and North-East most vulnerable.
Sharon explained that since 84 per cent of communities in the North-West depend on agriculture, peace in the region cannot be sustained without addressing the climate-security nexus.
“The project will adopt climate-smart solutions because peace is impossible if people cannot farm, graze, and share resources sustainably,” she added.
The CPCRR project, according to her, will prioritise locally owned solutions by placing communities at the heart of decision-making processes.
This approach, she said, will help tackle root causes of conflict, restore livelihoods, and strengthen social cohesion.
The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Migno, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting peace and development efforts in the region.
“We will continue to work with IOM, Mercy Corps and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) to bring lasting solutions to insecurity in this part of the country.
Collaboration with communities and local governments is essential because they have efficient methodologies for addressing these challenges,” Migno said.
Analysts note that the EU’s intervention aligns with earlier World Bank projections which warned that persistent insecurity could cost Nigeria up to 2 per cent of GDP growth annually, largely due to its impact on agriculture and rural economies.
Host Governor Dikko Radda described the initiative as more than a ceremonial event, but a practical step towards restoring hope in communities scarred by years of violence.
“This gathering is a powerful affirmation of shared commitment to heal wounds, restore dignity, rebuild communities and secure lasting peace for our people.
The presence of the EU Ambassador is not just diplomatic; it is symbolic of solidarity, compassion and shared humanity,” he declared.
The scale of displacement in the North-West adds to Nigeria’s already heavy humanitarian burden. The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) recently reported that the country hosts over 3.5 million IDPs nationwide, with the North-East and North-West accounting for the largest share.
Humanitarian organisations warn that unless urgent steps are taken to stabilise affected communities, Nigeria risks a deepening cycle of displacement, poverty and violent conflict.
For residents like Aisha Musa, a 32-year-old mother displaced from Zurmi in Zamfara State, the challenges are far from over.
“We want peace so that we can return to our farms. We are tired of running,” she said .
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