The European Union has announced a €15 million intervention to support internally displaced persons in Nigeria, with a focus on Yobe, Adamawa, Kano, Sokoto and Benue States.
The initiative, unveiled in Abuja by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, will provide protection assistance, strengthen durable solutions, and improve living conditions for displaced populations and host communities.
Speaking at the launch of the EU Support for Internally Displaced Persons in Yobe, Adamawa, Benue and Kano States (SIDPIN) and the EU Support for Protection, Assistance and Durable Solutions in Sokoto (SPADS), Mignot explained that the programmes are designed to deliver long-term benefits.
He said: “Together with the Federal and State authorities, our partners including the International Organisation for Migration, United Nations Human Settlements Programme, United Nations High Commission for Refugees and Danish Refugee Council will spearhead this initiative by focusing on local integration in urban and urbanising areas, adopting a multi-scale, integrated, and area-based territorial approach.”
According to him, the projects are aimed at strengthening durable solutions with particular attention to women and children.
He stated: “We aim to improve the living conditions of displaced populations and host communities in Adamawa, Yobe, Benue, Kano, and Sokoto States through sustainable local urban integration approaches that are replicable and scalable.”
The envoy noted that displacement across the northeast, north central and northwest has already affected over 3.5 million people.
He stressed that those affected should not be seen merely as statistics, but as “lives interrupted, dreams deferred, families torn from their homes and futures.”
Mignot explained that while many displaced persons wish to return home, insecurity has made this impossible for some, while others have chosen to remain in resettled areas. “This is a respectable personal choice,” he said.
He also emphasised that humanitarian response must move beyond emergency aid, adding: “We must look at the root causes of displacement, and just as importantly, at the pathways to sustainable solutions.
Our two projects will not only address immediate challenges but also contribute to laying the foundation for long-term stability, urban resilience, and peaceful coexistence outcomes that benefit everyone.”
He pointed out that the projects are built on strong collaboration with Nigerian authorities and communities.
“We recognise the leadership of the Government of Nigeria, both at the federal and state levels, in making these projects possible. They were developed through a consultative process involving Departments and Agencies, state governments, IDPs, and host communities to make sure that they align with the needs and priorities of our Nigerian partners.”
The ambassador stressed that the initiative is guided by local ownership and leadership. He said: “True progress happens when communities are empowered, when governments take the lead, and when development is rooted in participation, inclusion, and equity.”
He commended implementing partners such as IOM, UNHCR, UN-Habitat, and the Danish Refugee Council for their expertise and commitment.
Mignot added that the launch of SIDPIN and SPADS could serve as a model beyond Nigeria. “Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind, and that every displaced person has the opportunity not just to survive, but to rebuild his or her own life, to meaningfully contribute to communities, and become self-reliant,” he said.
Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, expressed appreciation to the European Union and its partners for the support, pledging the cooperation of his government to ensure the success of the projects.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, also highlighted the significance of the new programmes. He said that the SIDPIN and SPADS initiatives are central to restoring lives interrupted by conflict.
According to him, “They are about restoring lives interrupted by conflict and displacement, ensuring that children can grow in safe environments, and that women and men can rebuild their futures with dignity and opportunity.”
He recalled the words of the UN Secretary-General that “leaving no one behind is not a slogan, it is a commitment,” stressing that the projects are aligned with this principle. Fall explained that displacement issues extend beyond humanitarian needs, affecting national development and stability.
“Nigeria is a nation of extraordinary resilience and potential. By addressing displacement with durable solutions, we are strengthening the social fabric, deepening trust in institutions, and creating pathways to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In doing so, we help secure a future where prosperity is shared, and no community is excluded from progress,” he stated.
Fall noted that the United Nations in Nigeria is working closely with government and partners through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2023–2027) to integrate durable solutions into broader national planning.
He said: “These initiatives are anchored in the triple nexus, linking humanitarian action, peace, and development. They aim not only to respond to urgent needs but also to build resilience, expand access to services, and empower communities to thrive.”
The two projects, “Sustainable Urban Integration of Displaced Populations in Adamawa, Yobe, and Kano States in Nigeria (SIDPIN)” and the “EU Support for Protection, Assistance, and Durable Solutions in Sokoto (SPADS),” are part of a multi-agency effort focused on sustainable urban integration with strong attention to women, children and vulnerable groups.