Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has said the Southeast region was facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 268,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) spread across 158 camps and affected communities.
Kalu said this while speaking at a Roundtable Discussion with International non-governmental organisations (INGOs) on Monday in Abuja as part of a programme titled “Through Their Eyes: A Call To Action, Addressing Humanitarian Challenges In The South East.“
Organised by the Office of the Deputy Speaker in conjunction with the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), the roundtable discussion aimed to explore avenues for deeper partnerships, engender resilience, and deliver sustainable solutions to some of the nation‘s most pressing ecological issues.
According to the deputy speaker, Southeast states – Enugu, Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi were the most affected by the menace, with many people lacking access to clean water, adequate shelter, healthcare, and education.
He said the crisis in the Southeast region was characterised by displacement, violence, and ecological challenges, including natural disasters like gully erosion that have destroyed homes and left many without shelter.
Kalu, who emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to provide immediate humanitarian relief and sustainable development solutions, therefore called for support from international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and government agencies to address the crisis.
He said: “The Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, characterised by displacement, violence, and ecological challenges.
“Report presented today underscores the grim realities: over 268,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are spread across 158 camps and affected communities.
“Enugu, Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi bear the brunt of this crisis, with precarious living conditions leaving many without access to clean water, adequate shelter, healthcare, and education.
“Shelter, in particular, remains a pressing concern. Families who live in makeshift camps or overcrowded host communities are exposed to health risks, insecurity, and a loss of dignity.
“Natural disasters like gully erosion have destroyed homes, leaving little to return to. This crisis demands immediate intervention and sustainable strategies to restore stability and hope.“
Kalu acknowledged the INGOs‘ contributions through their work, which has been instrumental in addressing the challenges. He said his office was committed to championing legislative inputs that can be paramount to the issues.
“From food distribution to improving healthcare access, your interventions have touched the lives of millions. Your advocacy for marginalised groups, funding for local projects, and systemic support have provided critical relief and long-term opportunities.
“As a representative of the National Assembly, I am deeply committed to championing legislative and policy frameworks that address these issues comprehensively.
“The Southeast crisis is not just a regional issue—it is a national challenge that requires a collective response. We, in government, pledge to facilitate an enabling environment for your work. This includes removing systemic barriers, enhancing security in affected regions, and providing a robust policy framework to guide interventions. We can bridge the gap between immediate humanitarian relief and sustainable development.
“I urge us all to remain steadfast in our shared mission. Let us align our resources and strategies and resolve to build a Nigeria where no one is left behind and every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Your insights and recommendations from today’s discussions will guide the formulation of evidence-based interventions“, he said.
In separate remarks, the heads of INGOs in Nigeria, including Camilla Higgins, the Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, and the national coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, Dr Badamasi Lawal, pledged their support for addressing ecological challenges and human crises in the South-east region.
To achieve this, the relevant government agencies appealed for an increase in their budgetary allocation in 2025 to enable them to function optimally in their constitutional mandates.
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