Tinubu Signs Law to Address Displacement Crisis in Nigeria

Tinubu Signs Law to Address Displacement Crisis in Nigeria
Nigeria was among 32 African countries that adopted the convention in 2009 during a meeting in Kampala under the African Union
Nigeria currently faces one of Africa’s largest displacement crises

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons, widely known as the Kampala Convention, in a move aimed at strengthening humanitarian protection and safeguarding the rights of internally displaced persons across Nigeria.

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Eko Hot Blog reports the legislation, titled “Act to Give Effect to the Provisions of the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria and for Related Matters,” received presidential assent in February 2026.

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The bill was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, alongside six co-sponsors: Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi, Khadijat Bukar Ibrahim, Blessing Onuh, Nasiru Shehu, Felix Uche Nwaeke and Steve Fatoba.

The Act, which had earlier been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly of Nigeria, seeks to domesticate and enforce provisions of the African Union convention designed to protect and assist internally displaced persons.

Nigeria was among 32 African countries that adopted the convention in 2009 during a meeting in Kampala under the African Union.

Tinubu Signs Law to Address Displacement Crisis in Nigeria

The domestication of the treaty is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework for preventing displacement, protecting displaced citizens and providing lasting solutions to the crisis.

The law outlines measures aimed at addressing the root causes of displacement, protecting the human rights of internally displaced persons in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and defining the responsibilities of government institutions and other stakeholders in responding to displacement.

It also provides a comprehensive and gender-responsive framework for national coordination, humanitarian assistance and collaboration among relevant stakeholders to support displaced populations.

Nigeria currently faces one of Africa’s largest displacement crises, with millions forced from their homes due to insurgency, banditry, farmer-herder clashes and natural disasters.

Reacting to the development, Kalu commended President Tinubu for signing the bill into law, describing the move as a major step toward addressing the plight of displaced citizens.

He urged Nigerians and the international community to support efforts aimed at effectively implementing the convention and tackling the root causes of displacement.