Stakeholder Engagement for Policy Advocacy

Discussions held during the workshop shed light on the ways in which internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria can achieve sustainable recovery of their livelihoods despite challenges like acquiring land and the recurring issue of being displaced from resettled communities. A prominent recommendation stemming from the workshop underscored the importance of avoiding a superficial approach when providing assistance and support to IDPs in Nigeria. Such an approach may inadvertently foster dependency and discourage self-sufficiency among IDPs. Consequently, both the Nigerian government and local and international organizations should adopt a skill-centered approach in their interventions to stimulate the creativity and innovation of IDPs.

In attendance at the policy advocacy workshop were delegates from notable organizations such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Human Rights Commission, Action Aid, and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, among others. These organizations and agencies were extended invitations due to their pivotal roles within the humanitarian sector, where they are actively engaged in direct assistance and support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.