Podcast Summary: Conflict, Climate, and the Internal Displacement of 3.7 Million Nigerians

Podcast Information:

• Title: Into Africa
• Host: Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Africa Program Director and Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Washington D.C.
• Episode: Conflict, Climate, and the Internal Displacement of 3.7 Million Nigerians
• Release Date: July 31, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Into Africa, host Mvemba Phezo Dizolele delves into the pressing issues of conflict, climate change, and their devastating impact on internal displacement in Nigeria. Joining him is Arjun Jain, the country representative for the UN Refugee Agency in Nigeria. Together, they unravel the multifaceted causes of displacement, the hardships faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs), and the responses from both the Nigerian government and the private sector.

Understanding the Causes of Internal Displacement in Nigeria

Arjun Jain begins by providing a comprehensive overview of the displacement crisis in Nigeria, highlighting that approximately 3.7 million Nigerians are internally displaced due to persistent conflict, insurgencies, and climate-related disasters.

Arjun Jain (01:39): "In the northeast, there's an insurgency raging for the past 15 to 20 years... In the northwest, you have a lot of banditry and a lot of fight over resources that is resulting in massive displacement."

The northeast region has been plagued by insurgent groups like Boko Haram, contributing significantly to the displacement. Meanwhile, the northwest faces extreme banditry and resource conflicts, albeit receiving less international attention. The middle belt is also a hotspot, with incidents like the June 13 attack in Benue State resulting in mass casualties and displacement.

Additionally, Nigeria hosts around 140,000 refugees from neighboring countries such as Niger, Cameroon, and Chad, showcasing the country's role as a regional refuge despite its internal challenges.

Life for Displaced Persons: Challenges and Opportunities

When discussing the plight of the average displaced person in Nigeria, Jain emphasizes the lack of a robust social safety net. Despite recent macroeconomic improvements, the benefits have not adequately reached displaced communities.

Arjun Jain (04:39): "When we talk to displaced communities... they say, we want to go back home. But when we can't, they go, we just want a job. We don't want your handouts. We want to live in dignity."

The desire of displaced individuals to regain self-sufficiency through employment rather than relying on handouts underscores a critical area where support is needed. However, challenges persist in mobilizing the private sector to create job opportunities that align with the aspirations of these communities.

Perceptions and Geographic Disparities in Addressing Displacement

Katherine Suzuki probes into the varying perceptions of the displacement crisis across different regions in Nigeria, questioning whether urban centers like Lagos are as concerned about displacement as regions like the Middle Belt.

Arjun Jain (07:14): "There are great economic opportunities in the north, land galore, labor easily available. And so these are the opportunities we need to bring to the attention of people in Lagos who are willing to jump in and help their own communities."

Jain explains that while Lagos and other southern regions experience rapid development and have more engagement from the private sector, there is a lack of awareness and investment in the northern regions where displacement is more severe. Bridging this geographic divide is essential for creating balanced economic opportunities and addressing the root causes of displacement.

Government Capacity and Response to the Crisis

The Nigerian government faces significant challenges in providing immediate relief to displaced populations. Despite some improvements in economic policies, essential services like education, healthcare, and social services receive a low percentage of GDP allocation.

Arjun Jain (09:29): "Nigeria spends a very low percentage of its GDPs on things like education, healthcare, and social services."

State governments like Borno have developed better capacities to handle displacement due to their prolonged exposure to insurgencies. However, crises often overwhelm existing resources, necessitating external support without substituting governmental responsibilities.

Arjun Jain (12:16): "This is happening across northern Nigeria. It's not a question of will people die? It's not even a question of when will people die. People are dying right now because of the lack of support."

Impact of Global Aid Cuts and Resource Constraints

With global aid diminishing, the UN Refugee Agency struggles to maintain its support for displaced communities. Jain highlights the dire consequences of reduced assistance, including increased food insecurity and malnutrition.

Arjun Jain (14:25): "At the height of the lean season, 100 children were dying every hour due to malnutrition."

The reduction in food assistance programs by organizations like the World Food Program (WFP) has led to heightened malnutrition rates, especially among children, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Positive Developments: Private Sector Engagement and Youth Empowerment

Amidst the challenges, there are glimmers of hope through private sector initiatives and the resilience of Nigerian youth. Jain shares success stories of companies like TGI Tropical General Investments and Outsource Global, which are actively creating jobs and supporting displaced communities.

Arjun Jain (18:07): "Outsource Global... now employs around 3,000 young Nigerians. She wants people who can speak English fluently... Let me see how I can help them."

These initiatives focus on sustainable solutions such as agricultural support and outsourcing services, empowering IDPs to rebuild their lives and contribute to economic development.

Furthermore, the creative and ambitious spirit of Nigerian youth is a driving force behind societal change. Jain emphasizes the importance of listening to and investing in young innovators to harness Nigeria's demographic dividend.

Arjun Jain (22:52): "Young people have to innovate, be creative and not give up. It's what's going to make or break this country."

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Sustainable Support

In wrapping up the conversation, Jain stresses the necessity of empowering Nigerian youth and fostering innovation to ensure a prosperous future for the nation.

Arjun Jain (23:22): "What I see in a country like Nigeria... is that the youth are really driving that change. These are young people who are smart, who are ambitious, who are creative. And when you have a community like that, you have to know that this country is going to be all right."

The episode concludes on a hopeful note, urging stakeholders to support sustainable initiatives that enable displaced individuals to regain their autonomy and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's growth.

Key Takeaways

• Conflict and Climate: Persistent insurgencies and climate-related disasters are the primary drivers of internal displacement in Nigeria.

• Economic Constraints: Limited government investment in essential services hampers effective responses to displacement crises.

• Private Sector Role: Collaborative efforts from the private sector are crucial in creating job opportunities and supporting displaced communities.

• Youth Empowerment: Investing in the creativity and ambition of Nigerian youth is essential for long-term societal and economic resilience.

• Resource Challenges: Global aid cuts have severely impacted humanitarian efforts, exacerbating food insecurity and malnutrition.

• Hopeful Outlook: Despite challenges, the resilience of communities and proactive initiatives by organizations and businesses offer a path toward recovery and growth.

This episode of Into Africa sheds light on the intricate dynamics of displacement in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts between the government, private sector, and international organizations to address the humanitarian crisis and harness the potential of Nigeria's youth for a brighter future.