Abuja, Nigeria – The Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM), Shelter, and Non-Food Item (NFI) sector has called for enhanced support to address the needs of forcibly displaced persons in northeastern Nigeria. In a stakeholder briefing organised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in conjunction with the sector co-leads, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), key challenges and strategic directions were discussed to better support vulnerable populations.

Over the past five years, the CCCM, Shelter and NFI sector has experienced a significant shortfall in funding, critically hindering its ability to meet the needs of millions of forcibly displaced individuals. In 2023, the CCCM sector received a scant 11% of its necessary funding, while the Shelter/NFI sector secured just over half of its required resources.

A message read on behalf of Alhaji Mustapha Habib, Director General, NEMA, stressed that "despite facing significant funding constraints, our sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment. We have successfully extended crucial support to over 1.26 million individuals through our CCCM services and nearly 276,000 through Shelter and NFI responses. This achievement underscores our dedication and capability to make a meaningful impact, even in the face of adversity. It is a testament to our team's unwavering determination to support those in dire need."

Nevertheless, the continuous underfunding has resulted in service delivery gaps and has hindered the sector's ability to meet the growing needs of displaced communities fully. Some of the consequences of insufficient funding were painfully apparent in their living conditions. Overcrowding and poor sanitation not only pose significant health risks but also rob forcibly displaced persons of their human dignity.

Looking ahead to 2024, the sector aims to improve the living standards of an estimated 1.2 million people with CCCM services and 1.8 million with shelter support.

“The funding gap experienced has led to intervening partners having to make very tough decisions on how, where, what, and who to prioritise at a time when the needs warrant support for a cross-section of particularly vulnerable populations and situations. Addressing this funding shortfall and improving living conditions in 2024 is critical if we are ready to see people restart, rebuild, and transform their lives into meaningful participants in their society and communities," said Ms. Bernadette Muteshi, UNHCR Representative a.i in Nigeria.

The briefing emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts between government bodies, international organisations, and other stakeholders. The sector is keen on developing and implementing sustainable, effective strategies for improving living conditions and resolving complex issues such as Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) disputes.

"Whereas the humanitarian needs in the BAY States are undeniable, pressing, and vast, we must accept the fact that they are not insurmountable. With concerted, coordinated support and the provision of sufficient funding, we hold the potential to make an immensely positive impact on the lives of the vulnerable populations in these areas," says Laurent De Boeck, IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission.

Additionally, the indispensable role of international partners, the private sector, and donor governments, whose engagement and support are crucial in bridging the funding gap and empowering the sector to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by displacement, was underscored.

As the sector navigates a myriad of challenges, there is a unified call for increased awareness and support from the global community. Despite the difficulties, the sector remains optimistic and committed to working with all stakeholders towards a future where the needs and rights of displaced individuals are fully addressed.

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For more information, please contact: 

UNHCR: Edward Ogolla, ogolla@unhcr.org, +(234) 09-2916667

IOM: Elijah Elaigwu, elaigwu@iom.int, +2347037998411