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BENIN CITY — The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says Nigeria currently hosts about 3.7 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have lost their homes, livelihoods and, in some cases, family members due to conflicts and disasters.
The IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission, Dimanche Sharon, disclosed this during a media engagement in Benin City, where she highlighted the organisation’s ongoing interventions in migration management and humanitarian support.
Sharon said the IOM has, since 2017, supported the safe return of about 9,000 migrants from Edo State back to Nigeria.
According to her, about 8,000 of the returnees have received reintegration support aimed at helping them rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
She added that the organisation has assisted more than 1,100 victims of trafficking and provided psycho-social support to over 5,000 people to help them recover from trauma.
Sharon further disclosed that across Nigeria, the IOM has supported the return of about 60,000 migrants since 2017, many of whom were survivors of exploitation and abuse along dangerous migration routes.
She noted that more than 1,200 migrants continue to return each year, while many unemployed young people remain vulnerable to trafficking and irregular migration.
Sharon stressed that sustained support from partners and donors remains essential to addressing the challenges associated with migration and displacement.
She also noted that Edo State has taken important steps in addressing migration issues and commended the state government for its leadership in supporting returnees, protecting vulnerable persons and creating opportunities for young people.
According to her, with continued partnership and investment, migration can become safer, more orderly and a force for development rather than a risk.
