Deputy Speaker Kalu calls for urgent action on climate change-induced displacements

2 weeks ago 3

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, has called for more comprehensive data on internally displaced persons, noting that current data may not cover those displaced due to climate change.

Mr Kalu made the call on Thursday during a meeting at the National Assembly Complex with Ahmed Tijani, the Federal Commissioner for the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and IDPs.

The deputy speaker explained that the trend of global warming, erosion, and other natural occurrences is also contributing to the large-scale displacement of people from their settlements.

“Your mandate includes refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Displacement doesn’t occur only through war or crisis. You can also be internally displaced due to climate-induced factors, and that’s what we are experiencing now.

“The climate is at war with us. So, the issue of mitigation and adaptation is something we, as a government, must take seriously. But in doing that, agencies like yours, which manage the consequences of these climate impacts, need to recognise that the current visibility given to it is inadequate,” Mr Kalu said.

He stated that the commission must provide Parliament with a needs assessment document to determine how to improve the agency.

The deputy speaker also lamented the commission’s poor budgetary funding, stating that its allocation of N1.6 billion in the 2024 budget is inadequate.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion

Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it.

Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you.

Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation.

Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories —no paywalls, just quality journalism.

“There are so many people suffering due to climate change. Parliament needs to hear from you on the total national needs analysis on internally displaced persons and the impact of climate-induced displacement. We need a document on that.

“We are charging your commission to give us a comprehensive report on the plight of Nigerians across the country. The commission should have an intervention fund dedicated to conducting a proper needs analysis so that, as we draft the budget, we can consider it. This is part of our oversight function. So, get us a report on that,” he said.

Ultimatum

Mr Kalu gave the commission two weeks to submit the report to Parliament to guide their work.

“We are giving you two weeks to bring the report because we want it to guide us as we prepare our budget. A copy of the report will also be sent to the Budget Office of the Federation, so they understand the immense scope of your mandate,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Tijani expressed gratitude to the deputy speaker and pledged to make the report available to Parliament within the two-week deadline. He also appealed for increased funding for the commission.

“We thank you for granting us this audience today. I have listened carefully, and we will ensure these individuals, who are our own, are considered.

“We will compile the reports, covering both refugees and displaced persons, to present to Parliament so you can also understand the funding challenges facing the commission. I am sure Mr President and the National Assembly will address the commission’s needs and resolve these issues,” Mr Tijani said.

Nigeria is grappling with a surge in the number of IDPs across the country, particularly due to widespread insecurity in most regions.

READ ALSO: Osinbajo, Tijani to headline conference on technology, governance in Africa

Displacements

According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), Nigeria has over 3.6 million internally displaced persons. The centre attributes the high rate of displacement to criminal and communal violence, including clashes between herders and farmers in north-western and north-central states, as well as the activities of Islamic insurgents in the northeast.



Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility

At Premium Times, we firmly believe in the importance of high-quality journalism. Recognizing that not everyone can afford costly news subscriptions, we are dedicated to delivering meticulously researched, fact-checked news that remains freely accessible to all.

Whether you turn to Premium Times for daily updates, in-depth investigations into pressing national issues, or entertaining trending stories, we value your readership.

It’s essential to acknowledge that news production incurs expenses, and we take pride in never placing our stories behind a prohibitive paywall.

Would you consider supporting us with a modest contribution on a monthly basis to help maintain our commitment to free, accessible news? 

Make Contribution




TEXT AD: Call Willie - +2348098788999






PT Mag Campaign AD

Visit Source