3.7 Million Nigerians Are Now Displaced

Nigeria’s displacement crisis has escalated to 3.7 million people, driven by a volatile mix of conflict, communal violence, and climate-induced shocks. Sharon Dimanche, the Chief of Mission for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, disclosed the figure during the first Edo State Humanitarian Summit in Benin City. She warned that the numbers represent families struggling to survive environmental pressures and flooding. The crisis now demands a shift from emergency “band-aid” responses to long-term community rebuilding.

The IOM has defined three urgent priorities for its Nigerian operations: protecting those currently on the move, finding permanent solutions to displacement, and regularising migration. Dimanche argued that “managing” displacement is no longer enough. The focus must pivot toward local integration and the creation of resilient communities where affected persons can actually rebuild their futures. Saving lives is the immediate goal, but providing a “durable solution” is the only way to shorten the relief rolls.

Edo State remains a critical node in Nigeria’s migration and humanitarian landscape. Since 2017, the IOM has partnered with the state government to facilitate the safe return of over 9,000 migrants. Furthermore, 8,000 returnees have received reintegration assistance to help them start businesses or find employment. This local partnership serves as a blueprint for how state governments can manage the flow of people back into the economy.

Human trafficking continues to be a dark undercurrent of the migration crisis. The IOM has provided counselling and recovery support to over 1,100 victims of trafficking in recent years. To prevent further exploitation, Migration Information and Job Centres now offer young people guidance on skills development and safe travel. By addressing the lack of opportunity at home, the organisation hopes to reduce the desperation that fuels unsafe migration journeys.

Public awareness is the primary weapon against the risks of irregular migration. Campaigns supported by the IOM have reached over three million people in Edo State alone. These programmes explain the dangers of human smuggling while highlighting legitimate pathways to development. Reaching communities directly helps deconstruct the myths often sold by traffickers to vulnerable families.

Solving the displacement crisis requires a “whole-of-society” approach involving the private sector, civil society, and the UN system. Dimanche reaffirmed that the IOM will continue to strengthen humanitarian systems alongside the Edo State Government. Migration should be a pathway to development and opportunity rather than a journey of extreme risk. Without sustained collaboration, the figure of 3.7 million will likely continue its upward trajectory.