Kalu Hosts UNHCR Delegation, Pushes for Stronger Protection for Nigeria’s 3.5 Million IDPs

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to addressing the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs), describing displacement as “a threat to dignity everywhere.”

Kalu made this statement during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), led by the Country Representative, Arjun Jain, to the National Assembly on Thursday.

With over 3.5 million Nigerians currently displaced due to conflict, climate-related disasters, and insecurity, Kalu emphasized that the figures represent more than just statistics. “These are lives interrupted, futures at risk, and voices that must be heard,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker highlighted ongoing efforts, including the Kampala Convention (Domestication and Enforcement) Bill, which he sponsored to ensure displaced persons receive real and actionable protection under Nigerian law.

Kalu also spoke about the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), a non-kinetic initiative promoting peace through dialogue, empowerment, and reconciliation in the region.

“Displacement is not a single story; it is a convergence of insurgency, floods, hunger, and homelessness. Our response must be just as multidimensional,” he noted.

To address these complex challenges, Kalu called for strategic partnerships with UNHCR across five key areas: joint humanitarian action, technical support for enforcement, climate resilience mapping, participatory policymaking, and sustainable peacebuilding.

He concluded by commending the UNHCR’s continued efforts in supporting displaced persons and assured the agency of the National Assembly’s unwavering commitment to legislative solutions that safeguard the rights and welfare of IDPs across Nigeria.