The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Benard Doro, has stated that an estimated 3.7 million Nigerians are currently living as internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country.
Doro made the disclosure while discussing the issue on a national morning programme, explaining that the figure is an estimate due to the dynamic nature of displacement in Nigeria.
He noted that displacement is not static, as some affected individuals are being resettled while new cases emerge in different parts of the country. “The issue of displacement in our country is a dynamic one. There are movements, people are resettled, and others are added,” he said.
The minister emphasized that most of those currently residing in IDP camps have been properly documented, allowing the government access to the majority of individuals living in these facilities.
“In terms of the figure, it is difficult to provide an exact number, but it is estimated around 3.7 million. For those in IDP camps at the moment, most of them are documented, and we have access to most of them,” Doro added.
The minister’s statement highlights the ongoing humanitarian challenges in Nigeria, where conflicts, natural disasters, and communal clashes continue to displace large numbers of people. Despite resettlement efforts, IDP camps remain critical for providing shelter, food, healthcare, and other essential services to affected populations.
Doro’s remarks underscore the government’s continued monitoring of displacement trends and its efforts to ensure that aid and resources reach those most in need while addressing the fluid nature of population movements within the country.
