Internally displaced persons and the challenges of survival in Abuja

Abstract

Nigeria is facing a series of interconnected economic and humanitarian crises which, if not resolved, will disrupt basic life-support systems, contribute to the worsening of already fragmented security structures and perpetuate underdevelopment and indebtedness. Following the dispersal of the inhabitants of north-eastern Nigeria by Boko Haram, accessing adequate food, shelter and safe drinking water is becoming increasingly difficult for the majority of the dispersed population. This article examines contemporary discourse on the plight of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in Abuja, Nigeria. It reveals that there is agreement among a range of citizens on the need for the Nigerian government to change its policy orientation in dealings with IDPs. The article argues that there is considerable neglect of IDPs and highlights the security implications of such policies on the city of Abuja.