The Socio-Economic Implications of Displacement in Nigeria: A Survey on the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-Eas

Abstract

The crisis of displacement has become a global phenomenon that deserves global attention. Nigeria has witnessed series of insecurity leading to displacement of persons, destruction of lives and property with its negative impact on the IDPs. This study examines the socio-economic implications of displacement in Nigeria with reference to the Internally Displaced Persons in the North-East. It revealsthat the inhabitants of the North-Eastern part of Nigeria are negatively affected by insecurity leading to their displacement. While the study adopts Lee’s theory of migration as a theoretical framework, a total of 200 sample size was used for interview using judgmental sampling technique. The study reveals that the displacement has negatively affected their socio-economic condition which adversely resulted to extreme poverty, hunger, starvation and outbreak of diseases that had led to death of many. It concludes that Internal Displacement remains a drained and stumbling block in the cogwheel of national development in Nigeria, Africa and other parts of the world. While some significant displacement crises have attenuated due to the cessation of hostilities and tens of thousands of IDPs have been able to return to their original place of residence, over a million more in Nigeria remain psychologically challenged while new situations of internal displacement continue to occur. The study recommends among others that government should address the root causes of displacement by dealing with issues that lead to conflict and promoting peace and reconciliation as well as respect for human rights.