From Victor Osula, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has signed into law a historic bill domestically enacting the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa, offering a lifeline to millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) across Nigeria.
The legislation, titled “Act to Give Effect to the Provisions of the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria; and for Related Matters”, received presidential assent in February. It provides a comprehensive legal framework to address the rights, protection and welfare of IDPs nationwide.
The bill was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, alongside co-sponsors Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi, Khadijat Bukar Ibrahim, Blessing Onuh, Nasiru Shehu, Felix Uche Nwaeke, and Steve Fatoba. The National Assembly had earlier passed the legislation to domesticate the Kampala Convention, which Nigeria and 32 other African Union member-states adopted in 2009 in Uganda.
The new law establishes mechanisms to prevent displacement, protect displaced persons, and provide durable solutions for those affected by conflict, insecurity, and natural disasters. It outlines the responsibilities of government institutions, competent authorities, and humanitarian actors, while emphasising gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches to assistance.
Reacting to the development, Kalu commended President Tinubu for signing the bill, describing it as a bold demonstration of the government’s commitment to addressing the plight of displaced Nigerians. He urged citizens and the international community to support efforts to implement the law and tackle the root causes of displacement, stressing that collective action is needed to restore dignity to displaced persons.
Nigeria continues to face significant humanitarian challenges, with millions displaced by insurgency, banditry, farmer–herder conflicts, and natural disasters. Many IDPs live in overcrowded camps with limited access to healthcare, education, and other essential services.
The enactment of this law is expected to strengthen national coordination and collaboration in responding to internal displacement, offering renewed hope and concrete protections for millions of Nigerians who have long endured hardship and uncertainty.
