Ben Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has called on the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) to provide more detailed data on the country’s internally displaced persons (IDPs), with a particular emphasis on those displaced by climate change. Kalu made the appeal during a meeting with the commission’s Federal Commissioner, Ahmed Tijani, at the National Assembly on Thursday.

Kalu pointed out that displacement in Nigeria is no longer solely a result of conflict but also due to climate-related issues such as global warming and erosion. He noted that the commission’s existing data fails to adequately capture the growing impact of climate change on displacement, stating, “The climate is at war with us,” and urging the government to take climate adaptation and mitigation measures seriously.

The deputy speaker also called for a needs assessment document from the commission to help Parliament understand the full scale of the issue and guide the allocation of resources. He expressed concern over the commission’s N1.6 billion budget allocation for 2024, deeming it insufficient given the rising number of displaced persons.

“We need a comprehensive report on the plight of Nigerians across the country, with a focus on climate-induced displacement,” Kalu emphasized, giving the commission a two-week deadline to submit the report. The findings will also be sent to the Budget Office of the Federation to assist in the upcoming budget process.

In response, Tijani thanked Kalu for his support and assured him that the commission would meet the deadline. He also appealed for increased funding to address the growing challenges faced by displaced persons in Nigeria, where insecurity has led to a significant rise in IDPs.