The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Parliament) recently convened its Second Extraordinary Session and Seminar in Accra, Ghana. During the event, Senator Barau Jibrin, Nigeria's Senate Deputy President and 1st Deputy Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, presented a report titled 'Strategies for addressing internal displacement and farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria'. The report, presented by Senator Sadiq Umar, highlights Nigeria's experience with farmer/herder conflicts and its implications for the region and African Continent.
According to Senator Barau, Nigeria's extensive agricultural and pastoral economies have led to pressure on land and water resources, resulting in conflicts, banditry, terrorism, and other disasters. The country has implemented several strategies to mitigate these problems, including the creation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. This ministry is responsible for managing emergency relief operations and internally displaced persons response systems.
Nigeria has also been selected under the United Nations Secretary-General's Action Agenda on Internally Displaced and Focused National Pathways towards Durable Solutions. The country has strengthened its commitment to protecting internally displaced persons through its engagement with the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa, commonly known as the Kampala Convention.
Despite these efforts, over 3 million Nigerians remain in Internally Displaced People's camps across the country. Senator Barau emphasized that internal displacement should not be treated as the exclusive responsibility of humanitarian agencies, but rather as a coordination effort between relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and traditional institutions.
The lawmaker stressed the need for critical attention to early warning signs, conflict prevention mechanisms, and climate adaptation. He also suggested that livestock should be treated as an important economic sector, rather than simply a security concern. Investment in ranching, feeding, and breeding can mitigate pressures associated with uncontrolled livestock markets.
Senator Barau tasked his colleagues with designing a legislative framework to protect displaced persons and regulate land and livestock management. He also emphasized the importance of parliamentary committees conducting evidence-based oversight of government programs and expenditure relating to displacement, security, agriculture, livestock, and reconstruction.
The report concluded that internal displacement and farmer-herder conflicts are complex challenges requiring comprehensive and coordinated solutions. Senator Barau advised on prevention of similar problems in the region and the continent, rather than cure. He emphasized the responsibility of parliamentarians to support legislation, strengthen oversight, and promote inclusive dialogue to ensure public resources are directed towards sustainable solutions.
Key points
- Nigeria's experience with farmer/herder conflicts provides lessons for the ECOWAS region and African Continent.
- The country has implemented several strategies to mitigate these problems, including the creation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
- Over 3 million Nigerians remain in Internally Displaced People's camps across the country, despite efforts to address the issue.
