UNHCR commends Nigeria’s presidential assent to the AU Kampala Convention on internal displacement
UNHCR commends Nigeria’s presidential assent to the AU Kampala Convention on internal displacement
Bridget Vihishima, an internally displaced person (IDP), stands in front of her newly built shelter in Tyo-Mu, Benue State, Nigeria. With support from UNHCR’s multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA), she was able to rebuild her home and restore a sense of stability for her family.
Abuja, 24 March 2026 - UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency warmly welcomes the President’s assent to the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention)
This milestone marks a notable transformative achievement for Nigeria, reaffirming the country’s enduring commitment to strengthening the protection of internally displaced people and advancing the principles enshrined in the Kampala Convention.
Nigeria signed the Kampala Convention in 2009. The presidential assent now completes its domestication into national law, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to addressing internal displacement, protecting affected populations, and promoting durable solutions in line with regional and international standards.
The Kampala Convention is the first legally binding regional framework addressing internal displacement. Its domestication will further strengthen national systems to prevent displacement, enhance protection and assistance during displacement, and support safe, voluntary, and dignified solutions for forcibly displaced people and affected communities.
“With over 3.5 million Nigerians who are internally displaced, a stronger legal framework to prevent, protection and find solutions to internal displacement is more critical than ever,” said Arjun Jain, UNHCR Representative in Nigeria. “UNHCR stands ready to support the government in implementing this critical piece of legislation.”
UNHCR commends the leadership of the Federal Government of Nigeria, including the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, for advancing this important legislative process. The agency also acknowledges the role of the National Assembly and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, whose commitment and leadership were instrumental in reaching this milestone. UNHCR further recognizes the contributions of humanitarian, development, and protection partners whose technical support and advocacy helped advance the domestication process and strengthen protection for internally displaced people across the country.
Media contact:
- In Abuja, Rachel Manning, [email protected], +234 911 888 7002
- In Dakar, Senan Rose Fidelia Bohissou, [email protected], +221 77 569 91 60
