Bernard Doro: Collaborating with Private Sector for Market-Based Solutions to the IDP Challenge

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, revealed that the Nigerian government is partnering with the private sector to create market-based solutions intended to mitigate the increasing crisis of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the nation.

In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday, Doro discussed ongoing initiatives to resettle displaced Nigerians. He noted that it would be impractical to provide a specific timeline for the clearance of IDP camps due to the multifaceted nature of displacement within the country.

"The displacement challenges in Nigeria are not solely humanitarian; they encompass developmental and economic issues as well. Recently in Lagos, we have been collaborating with the private sector to develop market-oriented solutions to the IDP crisis in our nation," he stated.

Doro further elaborated, "Although it is challenging to establish a timeline, our goal is to ensure that those currently residing in IDP camps receive the necessary support. We are investing in infrastructure and constructing homes in regions where crises have subsided, enabling us to resettle individuals from the camps promptly. However, I find it difficult to specify a deadline for this process."

He continued, "It is quite complex to promise that we will have relocated all those in IDP camps, for instance, in the next six months, considering the ongoing humanitarian challenges, persistent crises, and the numerous factors contributing to displacement in our country. Beyond the situations that lead to displacement, we also face challenges such as climate-related issues that play a role in this matter."

"At present, our primary focus is to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to those in IDP camps, and we are collaborating with partners to facilitate their resettlement as swiftly as possible," he emphasized.