More than 3.7 million Nigerians are currently living as internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to conflict, violence, and climate-related disasters, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has revealed.
Sharon Dimanche, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Nigeria, disclosed the figures while delivering a goodwill message at the First Edo State Humanitarian Summit in Benin City on Thursday.
She said the rising displacement crisis has left countless families struggling to rebuild their lives with dignity, emphasizing that humanitarian response must extend beyond emergency aid to restoring hope and sustainable livelihoods.
Dimanche outlined IOM’s three-pronged strategy in Nigeria: saving lives and protecting people on the move, promoting durable solutions to displacement, and facilitating safe, orderly, and regular migration.
She noted that the organisation is providing life-saving assistance and protection for vulnerable populations while creating pathways for long-term recovery.
“Managing displacement is not enough,” Dimanche said.
“Nigeria must prioritise safe returns, local integration, and building resilient communities where affected persons can rebuild their futures.”
Highlighting Edo State’s role in migration management, she disclosed that since IOM established its office in Benin City in 2017, over 9,000 migrants from Edo State have returned home safely, while more than 8,000 people have received reintegration support to rebuild their livelihoods.
The IOM has also assisted over 1,100 victims of human trafficking, providing protection, counselling, and recovery services.
Additionally, its Migration Information and Job Centres have guided thousands of young people on safe migration, skills acquisition, and employment opportunities.
Awareness campaigns on safe migration have reached over three million people across Edo State.
Dimanche called for sustained collaboration among governments, the UN, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to tackle displacement effectively.
She reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to partnering with the Edo State Government to strengthen humanitarian systems and ensure migration becomes a pathway to opportunity rather than a journey of risk.
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