The United Nations, European Union, federal authorities, and state governments have renewed calls for sustainable, long-term solutions to the displacement crisis affecting an estimated 3.5 million people across Northern Nigeria, stressing that continued dependence on humanitarian aid cannot remain the primary response.

The appeal was made during the first Project Steering Committee meeting for the Sustainable Urban Integration of Displaced Populations in Nigeria (SIDPIN) and the EU-backed Support for Protection, Assistance and Durable Solutions in Sokoto (SPADS) programmes, held at the UN House in Abuja.

Government officials, international partners, and humanitarian organisations gathered to assess ongoing interventions, identify challenges, and improve collaboration aimed at helping displaced persons rebuild their lives while supporting host communities.

Addressing participants, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, said displacement in Northern Nigeria has evolved beyond a humanitarian concern and now requires development-focused, peacebuilding, and human-rights-based responses.

He noted that millions remain displaced across the region and stressed the importance of moving from temporary relief efforts to sustainable programmes that restore dignity, livelihoods, and long-term stability.

Fall highlighted achievements recorded under the UN Common Programme in 2025, including education and vocational support for nearly 200,000 children, livelihood assistance for around 150,000 people, and access to legal documentation for approximately 40,000 individuals.

Despite those gains, he argued that humanitarian interventions alone are insufficient and called for stronger cooperation between governments, communities, development actors, and humanitarian agencies to create lasting solutions.

Also speaking, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, urged stakeholders to rethink existing intervention models and focus on larger-scale development investments capable of delivering long-term impact.

According to him, future programmes should be designed to strengthen durable solutions by integrating displacement issues into broader development strategies and increasing investment in projects that can create sustainable economic opportunities.

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Olubunmi Olusanya described the displacement crisis as a result of insecurity, climate-related challenges, and economic vulnerabilities.

He said resolving the crisis requires a coordinated approach that combines humanitarian support, development planning, and peacebuilding initiatives while addressing implementation challenges such as land access and adaptation of global best practices to local realities.

Olusanya described the SIDPIN and SPADS initiatives as major steps toward promoting self-reliance, stability, resilience, and dignity among displaced populations.

Participants at the meeting expressed confidence that the programmes would strengthen governance systems, improve accountability, and support the social and economic integration of displaced persons into their host communities.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to prioritising durable solutions that help displaced families transition from dependence on aid to sustainable livelihoods and long-term inclusion in society.