Vice President Shettima Pledges To Support Displaced Individuals Amid Conflicts, Disasters

Vice President Kashim Shettima pledged to donor organizations and development partners that the Tinubu administration will fully support efforts to help people displaced by conflict and natural disasters both inside and outside Nigeria.

The pledge was made during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja with a delegation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), led by Assistant High Commissioner for Operations Raouf Mazou.

Shettima praised the UN for its help to Nigeria over the years and said, "I know how vital the UN system is. You have assisted us tremendously in addressing our challenges in the northeast and the nation as a whole," as per the official State House website.

The vice president noted that Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will keep working with key partners to address important issues affecting the well-being of citizens and others impacted by conflict and natural disasters -- both in Nigeria and beyond.

He stated that Nigeria will continue to support African refugees displaced by conflict and natural disasters, adding that Nigeria is open to new ideas for collaboration, especially the UN's emphasis on sustainable resettlement of refugees.

The vice president stressed that sustainable solutions can help prevent donor fatigue. He acknowledged the tough situation in the Sahelian region, pointing out the link between environmental issues, economic problems and insecurity there. He noted that deep poverty is worsened by the effects of climate change.

Mazou also spoke during the meeting and praised Nigeria for its exemplary treatment of refugees and discussed plans to enhance support and move towards sustainable development strategies.

"Nigeria has been exemplary in its treatment of refugees. The host communities are playing an essential role in making sure that these persons are resettled," he said.

He added, "The World Bank has a facility for refugees and host communities and we would be accessing these facilities to see how we can bring additional support primarily to help the host communities."

Mazou said that the focus is now shifting from providing humanitarian aid to promoting development, noting that the goal is to help people become more self-sufficient.

He explained that this new approach is meant to reduce reliance on aid and make it easier for refugees to reintegrate when they return to their home countries.