President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons (Domestication and Enforcement) Bill, 2025, into law, marking a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s response to the plight of displaced persons.
The legislation, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, domesticated the Kampala Convention, a landmark African Union treaty adopted in 2009 to safeguard the rights and welfare of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
With the signing, Nigeria now has a comprehensive legal framework to prevent internal displacement, protect affected populations, and provide humanitarian assistance and long-term solutions for millions forced to flee their homes due to conflict, disasters, and other crises.
The new law also mandates government institutions at federal, state, and local levels to coordinate efforts aimed at supporting displaced communities, ensuring their safety, dignity, and eventual reintegration.
Analysts say the development is expected to strengthen humanitarian protection mechanisms across the country, particularly in regions heavily impacted by insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts.
About The Author
