- Safiu Kehinde
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has called for the intervention of International Non-governmental Organisations (INGOs) and relevant agencies of government to address humanitarian crisis in the South East, stressing that 260,000 people are internally displaced in the region.
Kalu made the disclosure on Monday at a roundtable with some International NGOs in Abuja as he held that the South East region was facing a severe humanitarian crisis.
The rep explained that the zone was characterised by displacement, violence, and ecological challenges, including natural disasters like gully erosion that have destroyed homes and left many without shelter.
According to him, there are over 268,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) spread across 158 camps and affected communities.
The deputy speaker said that the states most affected are Enugu, Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi.
He added that there were many people lacking access to clean water, adequate shelter, healthcare, and education in the region.
The round table was organised by the Office of the Deputy Speaker in conjunction with Peace In South East Project (PISE-P).
The deputy speaker said the purpose of the roundtable discussion was to explore avenues for deeper partnerships, to engender resilience, and to deliver sustainable solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing ecological issues.
Kalu emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to provide immediate humanitarian relief and sustainable development solutions in the region.
He said that thematic areas for intervention include education, healthcare and nutrition, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) mental health support, gender-based violence and shelter.
The deputy speaker said that his office was committed to championing legislative inputs that could be of paramount importance to the issues.
“The Southeast crisis is not just a regional issue, it is a national challenge that requires a collective response. We, in government, pledge to facilitate an enabling environment for your work.
“This includes removing systemic barriers, enhancing security in affected regions, and providing a robust policy framework to guide interventions.
“Together, we can bridge the gap between immediate humanitarian relief and sustainable development.
“I urge us all to remain steadfast in our shared mission. Let us align our resources, strategies, and resolve to build a Nigeria where no one is left behind, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
“Your insights and recommendations from today’s discussions will guide the formulation of evidence-based interventions,” Kalu said.
Responding, the Head of International NGOs in Nigeria, Ms Camilla Higgins, pledged the commitment of the organisations to collaborate with the Office of the Deputy Speaker to address the menace.
Agencies of government represented at the roundtable appealed for increase in the budgetary allocation in 2025 to enable them to function optimally in their constitutional mandates.
They include Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, National Social Investment Programme Agency, National Refugees Commission and Migrants.
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were also present.