The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has urged the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to provide detailed data on citizens displaced due to climate-related disasters. Kalu highlighted the urgent need for this data during a visit from Tijani Ahmed, the Commission’s Federal Commissioner, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Kalu noted that many Nigerians have been displaced by natural disasters like flooding and erosion, exacerbated by climate change. He emphasized that the Commission should focus on preparing a complete report to inform budget planning and to improve support for displaced communities. The Deputy Speaker emphasized the importance of adaptation and mitigation, stating, “The climate is at war with us. Agencies like yours need to realize that the situation is more severe than what we are currently witnessing.”
The lawmakers set a two-week deadline for the Commission to submit this data, with Kalu stressing that the report would guide future budget allocations. In response, Ahmed promised to compile and submit the report while advocating for increased funding to support the Commission’s efforts to manage climate-induced displacements.
