The Economics and Dynamics of Internal Displacement in Nigeria

Michael I Ogu

doi:10.7176/jaas/55-06

Abstract

Internal displacement appears to have become a recurrent decimal in the socio-political narrative of Nigeria. While statistics reveal an increase in the number of both Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Returnees, especially in the Northeastern zone, the major thrust of this study are centered around the questions; what are the recent dynamics of internal displacement in Nigeria? What economic dimension(s) exist for internal displacement, especially in relation to the IPD camps?The study adopted a descriptive research method in investigating the phenomenon of internal displacement in Nigeria, drawing data primarily from secondary sources of data, and subjecting them to rigorous content analysis. The study found that IDPs continue to not only suffer exploitation and abuse from other male IDPs, camp officials and security officers, while services available in IDP camps can serve as push for internal displacement in Nigeria. It concluded that IDPs remain largely insecure and ‘displaced’ in the IDP camps which have also become a significant variable in the management of internal displacement. It was recommended that NGOs and other aid organizations should be allowed to get more involved in the IDP camps, particularly in the area of camp management and even security, as Nigerian government continues to recapture, rebuild and return IDPs to their communities. Keywords: Displaced, Internal Displacement, Security, Camps, Internally Displaced Persons DOI : 10.7176/JAAS/55-06 Publication date :May 31 st 2019

Highlights

The scourge of internal displacement, especially in the last decade, has tinted the image of the Nigerian state and further deepened ethnic and religious divides across the state, but has resulted in very sharp decline in the socio-economic development of many communities within the state, in the Northeastern zone, which has remained a hot-bed of various violent conflicts and terrorism
While the crisis of internal displacement is not a uniquely Nigerian phenomenon, the seeming unending nature of violent conflicts that result in displacement, as well as the arguably unique dynamics of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, make the Nigerian situation significant
The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) 2017 global report on internal displacement described the situation as a ‘consistent consequence’ of political violence, natural disasters such as flooding or drought, as well as intersecting factors, such as the growing famine and drought crisis in Somalia

Summary

Introduction

The scourge of internal displacement, especially in the last decade, has tinted the image of the Nigerian state and further deepened ethnic and religious divides across the state, but has resulted in very sharp decline in the socio-economic development of many communities within the state, in the Northeastern zone, which has remained a hot-bed of various violent conflicts and terrorism.

Results

Conclusion