The Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representatives Abuja Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has welcomed the signing into law of the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), popularly known as the Kampala Convention Bill, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The legislator, who sponsored the bill alongside six other members of the National Assembly, described the presidential assent as a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s legal framework for the protection and support of internally displaced persons.
Rt. Hon. Kalu expressed delight that the bill has now become law, noting that it reflects Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and welfare of millions of citizens displaced by conflict and disasters.
According to him, Nigeria currently has over 3.6 million internally displaced persons resulting from insurgency, banditry, communal conflicts, and natural disasters across various parts of the country.
Kalu explained that the newly enacted law provides a comprehensive and coordinated framework aimed at preventing displacement, protecting affected persons, and facilitating durable solutions such as resettlement, rehabilitation, and reintegration of displaced communities.
The lawmaker commended President Tinubu for assenting to the legislation, describing the move as a bold demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring hope and dignity to vulnerable Nigerians forced to flee their homes.
“As implementation begins, I urge relevant government institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners to collaborate closely to ensure the full realization of the objectives of this law,” he said.
He further stressed that sustained cooperation among stakeholders will be crucial in translating the provisions of the law into tangible support for displaced communities.
The lawmaker also called on Nigerians to continue to stand in solidarity with internally displaced persons, emphasizing the need for policies and interventions that will promote recovery, enhance security, and rebuild lives.
The Kampala Convention, adopted by the African Union, is the first legally binding regional treaty in the world that specifically addresses the protection and assistance of internally displaced persons. Nigeria’s domestication of the convention is expected to strengthen national efforts aimed at addressing the humanitarian challenges associated with internal displacement.
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