The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has urged the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to provide comprehensive data on citizens displaced by natural disasters, both within Nigeria and in neighboring countries.
Kalu issued the call during a meeting with the Federal Commissioner of the Commission, Tijani Ahmed, in Abuja on Wednesday.
A statement released by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, highlighted Kalu’s concerns over the rise in climate-induced displacements, especially due to flooding and erosion.
“We are charging your commission to give us the total report on the plight of Nigerians currently all across the country,” Kalu said.
He emphasized the need for an intervention fund to support a thorough needs analysis, which would guide future budget allocations.
Kalu noted that climate change has become a growing crisis, causing displacement beyond conflict and war. “You can be internally displaced through climate-induced displacement, and that’s what we are experiencing now.
The climate is at war with us,” he stated, urging the government to prioritize both mitigation and adaptation efforts. He referenced recent events in Maiduguri as an example of the escalating situation.
The Deputy Speaker also called for increased funding for the Commission, questioning whether its current budget of approximately N1.6 billion was sufficient. “How prepared are you?” Kalu asked. “We need to get a document on the total national needs analysis of internally displaced persons and the impact of climate-induced displacement.”
Kalu gave the Commission two weeks to submit the report, stressing its importance for the upcoming budget cycle. “A copy will also be sent to the Budget Office of the Federation to highlight the extent of your mandate,” he added.
In response, Commissioner Ahmed expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the Commission’s challenges and assured Kalu that the report would be submitted within the deadline. “We will ensure these individuals, who are our own, are supported,” he said, noting that the report would underscore the funding needs of the Commission.
