From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) donated $1.1 million, amounting to N1.7 billion, to the Benue State Government to support humanitarian interventions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.
The Deputy Director General for Operations (DDG) IOM, Ugochi Daniels, disclosed this when she led a high-powered delegation, including the UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, and other envoys and dignitaries, on a field visit to Benue State.
Announcing the donation during the visit, the IOM DDG noted that Benue State has demonstrated extraordinary resilience in the face of protracted displacement and humanitarian challenges in Nigeria.
She explained, “Today’s engagement is more than a meeting. It’s a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to those affected by crisis and a call to deepen our partnerships in pursuit of durable solutions and lasting peace.”
Daniels expressed IOM’s commitment to align with Governor Alia’s vision to facilitate the safe and dignified return of the IDPs to their ancestral homes.
The DDG, who described the aspiration of the IDPs as very inspirational after hearing from their representatives, said they are in full support of that.
“Therefore, today I’m very pleased to announce, with much appreciation to the European Union and to the European Coordination Humanitarian Office, a new funding of 1.1 million dollars, which is N1.7 billion, to be jointly implemented with IOM, UNHCR, and UN Habitat to support your response here in Yelewata and Naka,” in Guma and Gwer West LGAs, respectively.
“Then in December, we would also want a new initiative funded by the IOM Development Fund that is focused on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), reducing the risk of gender-based violence.
“We know that humanitarian aid is not enough; we must prioritise peacebuilding and sustainable development, and that is why, out of 36 states in Nigeria, on this visit I chose to come to Benue because of the leadership that you have shown.
“For us as the UN, government leadership must focus on development; it’s how we end humanitarian needs. We stand firm with you on this journey in ensuring that no one in Benue is left behind,” she promised.
Receiving the delegation in Government House, Makurdi, Governor Hyacinth Alia, flanked by his Deputy, Sam Ode, lauded the partnership between the state and IOM, which he noted puts IDPs at the forefront for intervention.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safe resettlement of IDPs back to their ancestral homes, urging partners to support the state’s durable solutions rather than give handouts to the IDPs.
He said under the IOM, Benue State has witnessed the operationalisation of the One UN coordination model, a model which he praised as one that brings coherence, reduces duplication, and maximises impact.
He assured that “As a government, we are very committed to supporting and sustaining this model because we have seen its potential to create lasting change.
“It is in this wise that our administration has pledged to contribute 50,000 dollars to the resilience campaign of IOM and is willing to partner any meaningful donor willing to participate in the implementation of the durable solutions for IDPs in Benue State.
“Benue has developed a durable solutions action plan, and its terms of reference have been developed and were endorsed in June 2025 to guide its implementation. This document couldn’t have been completed without One UN.”
Alia commended the critical role of other donors and partners, saying he was certain that their visit “will enhance our shared purpose that IDPs will one day, and soonest, return to their ancestral homes.”
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and SEMA boss, Sir James Iorpuu, described the presence of IOM DDG as both an encouragement and affirmation of the strong and enduring partnership between IOM and the government of Benue State and the communities they jointly serve over displaced populations.
Iorpuu said, “For us in Benue, this is more than symbolic. It is a clear reminder that our struggles and sacrifices are not forgotten. Every displaced family, every host community, every humanitarian partner, and we in government are assured that you will continue to stand with us.”
He acknowledged the remarkable impact of IOM in Benue, naming projects carried out by the organisation for Benue IDPs and communities, including establishment of biometric registration, a critical tool in humanitarian data management, water supply treatment plants, WASH services, protection, and psychosocial support, among others, assuring them of continued partnership.