By Aderogba George
A non-governmental organisation, Stand With a Girl (SWAG) Initiative, has called for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing the needs and care of women and girls in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
The appeal was made in Abuja on Tuesday by the organisation’s founder and Executive Director, Mrs Margaret Bolaji-Adegbola, during the National Internally Displaced Persons Conference (IDPC) 2025.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the appeal was directed at key stakeholders, including government bodies, UN agencies, civil society organisations, and others directly involved in supporting IDPs.
The theme of the conference was “Restrategising Investment: Amplifying the Voices of Women and Girls in Internally Displaced Communities”.
Bolaji-Adegbola noted that with the Federal Government’s IDP policy set to end in 2027, now is the time for stakeholders to begin providing quality and sustainable care for displaced persons.
She noted the importance of access to vocational training, education, and economic empowerment, stressing that displaced women and girls must benefit from more than just food aid, but holistic support that transforms their lives.
She also revealed that her organisation currently supports the care and education of 27 IDPs enrolled in schools across the country, and encouraged other reputable organisations to emulate this initiative.
“It is essential for partners to collaborate and provide coordinated services across IDP camps. We must engage decision-makers who can drive meaningful action, which is why this conference is so critical.
“We must begin to ensure IDPs have access to affordable and quality services, especially in education, healthcare, and reproductive health. Women and girls in particular need greater awareness and access to these services,” she added.
Dr Yusuf Sununu, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, stated that the ministry is working to improve the livelihoods of IDPs through strategic partnerships, including the Renewed Hope Restoration Project.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Administration and Political Affairs, Dr Atiku Mohammed, the minister said the project aims to enhance economic stability and reduce poverty among displaced communities.
“We are promoting education and skills acquisition by establishing adult learning and ICT training centres in IDP camps to equip individuals with essential knowledge and capabilities.
“We are also fostering community integration by supporting resettlement initiatives such as the newly constructed resettlement city in Keffi, to ensure security and long-term stability.
“The Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, remains committed to upholding the fundamental human rights of IDPs”.
Mrs Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), explained that her office has been promoting social cohesion across the country and will continue to do so.
She highlighted the President’s mandate for her office to strengthen community engagement and called for greater individual and collective efforts to promote peace and stability.
Essiet also stressed the importance of preventing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and protecting the rights of women and girls in IDP camps.
She emphasised that achieving these goals would require coordinated efforts from government agencies, CSOs, and international partners.
Stakeholders, she said, must work together to deliver a comprehensive response to the displacement crisis, with a strong focus on the needs of women and girls.
She noted that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act is being reviewed to address existing gaps and to ensure better protection for survivors of sexual violence.
“The Federal Ministry of Justice is working to incorporate missing elements in the revised VAPP Act. Provisions are being made to ensure that survivors of sexual harassment receive adequate support and justice,” she said.
Essiet commended SWAG for organising the conference, noting that it had amplified the voices of IDPs and brought their concerns to national attention.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting IDPs and urged stakeholders to intensify their efforts, stressing that collective action can bring about meaningful change.
She further advocated for the outcomes of the conference to be translated into community-level initiatives.
She announced that her office will soon launch a community peace initiative project to facilitate dialogue on such critical issues.
NAN also reports that other organisations, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), participated in the conference to support the voices of displaced persons.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA