The World Bank has approved $300 million in financing to support up to 7.4 million Nigerians living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and host communities in the northern region of the country. The funding, approved on August 7, 2025, aims to strengthen resilience, restore livelihoods, and expand access to essential services for millions affected by conflict and insecurity.
The announcement was made in an official statement on Monday, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian and development challenge in Northern Nigeria, where prolonged insecurity has forced millions from their homes.
Focus on Long-Term Solutions
According to the World Bank, the initiative seeks to go beyond short-term relief, focusing instead on long-term development solutions that address the root causes and consequences of protracted displacement.
“This project will help bridge the gap between humanitarian assistance and sustainable development, ensuring that displaced people and their host communities can rebuild their lives,” the statement read.
World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Mathew Verghis, emphasised the significance of the programme in addressing displacement-related challenges at a national scale.
“We are glad to support this initiative, which has a tremendous potential to help Nigeria in addressing development challenges associated with protracted displacement in a sustainable way,” Mr. Verghis said.
A Region Under Pressure
Northern Nigeria has been grappling with multiple security crises over the past decade, including insurgency, armed banditry, and inter-communal conflicts. These have displaced millions of people, many of whom now reside in overcrowded IDP camps or rely on overstretched host communities for shelter and support.
According to humanitarian agencies, living conditions in these camps are often dire, with limited access to clean water, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Host communities—already struggling with poverty—face added pressure as they share scarce resources with displaced populations.
Scope of the Project
The $300 million financing package is designed to directly benefit both IDPs and host communities by:
- Improving Access to Basic Services – Expanding access to clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education facilities.
- Enhancing Livelihood Opportunities – Supporting vocational training, micro-enterprise development, and agricultural productivity to help affected populations become more self-reliant.
- Strengthening Community Resilience – Investing in infrastructure and social cohesion programmes that foster peaceful coexistence between displaced persons and host communities.
- Capacity Building – Strengthening the ability of local and state institutions to manage displacement issues effectively and plan for long-term recovery.
Bridging Humanitarian and Development Efforts
Traditionally, responses to displacement in Nigeria have been dominated by short-term humanitarian aid. While this has been critical for survival, it has not always addressed the longer-term needs of affected populations.
The World Bank’s approach under this new programme seeks to integrate development planning with humanitarian response, ensuring that investments in infrastructure, livelihoods, and services are sustainable and inclusive.
“This is not just about providing immediate relief,” the statement noted. “It’s about ensuring that people who have lost their homes and livelihoods are given the tools, resources, and opportunities to build a better future for themselves and their families.”
Potential Impact
If implemented effectively, the project could significantly improve living standards for millions of Nigerians. By targeting both IDPs and host communities, the initiative aims to reduce tensions over resources, promote social stability, and prevent further displacement.
Economic empowerment is expected to be a key driver of success, with the programme focusing on job creation and skills training. Improved public services are also expected to reduce vulnerability to health crises, improve educational outcomes, and promote social integration.
Collaboration with Nigerian Authorities
The financing will be implemented in partnership with Nigerian federal and state governments, as well as local authorities in affected regions. The World Bank has stressed the importance of strong coordination among stakeholders to ensure that resources are used effectively and transparently.
The Nigerian government has welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that aligns with its own development and humanitarian strategies. Officials say the project complements ongoing efforts to stabilise security, rebuild infrastructure, and provide support to vulnerable populations.
Global Context and Relevance
Forced displacement is a growing global challenge, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reporting record numbers of internally displaced persons worldwide due to conflict, violence, and climate-related disasters.
Nigeria’s situation is among the most severe in Africa, with millions displaced within its borders. The World Bank’s commitment reflects a broader international recognition that sustainable solutions are needed to address both the immediate and structural drivers of displacement.
Looking Ahead
While the approval of the $300 million financing is a significant step forward, experts caution that funding alone will not solve the problem. Successful implementation will depend on security improvements, community engagement, and effective monitoring to ensure that projects reach those who need them most.
Civil society organisations are urging that women, children, and people with disabilities be given special consideration in project design and implementation, given their heightened vulnerability in displacement settings.
The World Bank has pledged to provide technical assistance alongside financial resources, helping Nigerian authorities build institutional capacity for managing displacement and fostering long-term recovery.
Conclusion
The $300 million World Bank initiative represents a major investment in the future of millions of Nigerians affected by displacement. By focusing on resilience, essential services, and economic empowerment, it aims to transform the lives of both IDPs and the communities that host them.
If executed effectively, the programme could serve as a model for addressing protracted displacement not only in Nigeria but across Africa and other conflict-affected regions.
For now, the challenge lies in turning this ambitious plan into tangible improvements on the ground—restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity to those who have endured years of uncertainty and hardship.
