LEGAL OVERVIEW OF THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria has been facing the challenge of internal displacement since its first occurrence in 1967 as a result of the civil war. Internal displacement involves the forced movement of people from one part of the country to another. This situation in most cases exposes the displaced people to some vulnerabilities. Thus, this article examined the causes and effects of internal displacement in Nigeria. In examining the subject matter, the doctrinal research method was adopted, and the data collected were both primary and secondary comprising of both hard copies and online source materials. It was discovered that insurgency, ethno-religious conflicts, natural and man-made disasters, resource struggle, and developmental projects among others cause internal displacement in Nigeria. Internal displacement has negative impact on security, health, housing and infrastructure, social life, livelihoods, education, and the environment. It was recommended that there should a synergy among the governments at all levels, civil societies and individuals in order to support the safe, voluntary, dignified return and resettlement of displaced populations through specific and targeted programming and local integration through projects targeted at the strengthening of resilience of communities and expansion of basic services, such as water, sanitation, education, and health facilities.