EU, IOM, UNHCR, others launch projects to support displaced communities in Northern Nigeria

 The European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), UN-Habitat, and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), today launched two major initiatives to support displaced communities in Northern Nigeria.

With more than 3.5 million people affected by conflict-induced displacement, the €15 million investment will provide long-term, community-based solutions to strengthen resilience and improve living conditions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities in Adamawa, Benue, Yobe, Kano, and Sokoto States.

The new projects include:

Support for Internally Displaced Persons in Yobe, Adamawa, Benue and Kano States (SIDPIN): Implemented jointly by IOM, UNHCR, and UN-Habitat, this project will reach 5,790 households (28,950 individuals). It focuses on strengthening local authorities, integrating displacement into urban planning, expanding access to land, housing, and essential services, and promoting social cohesion through community-led livelihoods.

Support for Protection, Assistance and Durable Solutions in Sokoto (SPADS): Implemented by the Danish Refugee Council, this project will reach 5,103 households (30,618 individuals) in Sokoto North and South LGAs. It emphasizes sustainable urban integration for vulnerable households, with particular attention to women and persons with disabilities.

Speaking at the launch, H.E. Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said: “The EU’s investments in these initiatives – SIDPIN and SPADS – reflect our commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable development. Through these projects, we are supporting community-led approaches that strengthen resilience and improve livelihoods, ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Together, the initiatives will directly support over 59,000 IDPs and host community members, promoting local integration, access to services, social cohesion, and inclusive urban development. These efforts aim to lay the foundation for durable peace, stronger governance, and resilient communities.

“As state governments, we recognize that the solutions to internal displacement must go beyond emergency relief. They must focus on durable solutions, solutions that prioritize fulfilling the aspirations of our people to be part of and benefit from long term development gains, ensuring their safety, security, economic self-reliance and promoting community cohesion”, said His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr., Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Governor of Benue State. 

The launch event brought together government officials, diplomatic representatives, UN agencies, development partners, and community leaders. Participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to long-term solutions, and inclusive governance mechanisms such as Project Steering Committees and Implementation Units were established to ensure transparency, accountability, and sustainability.

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