Sixteenth International Conference on Climate Change: Impacts & Responses

Abstract

Many Nigerians have become internally displaced due to herdsmen attacks, natural disasters, rural banditry and cattle rustling, climate change and identity conflicts, among other factors. However, the activities of Boko Haram (an insurgent group that targets security formations and government establishments in Nigeria) and climate change will be used as a case study. Given the complexities and increasing number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria, especially in the Northern states, the government in collaboration with other stakeholders has stepped up efforts to cushion the effects of displacements and forced migration in the nation. Unfortunately, not much has been achieved due to some emerging issues in the management of IDP camps. In light of the above assertion, this research work is interested in investigating the links between the causes and nature of population displacements, the socio-economic implications on the affected states, as well as the complex conditions in the IDP camps and its management challenges. This paper employs analytic methods to explore some of the displacement issues as related to the present study. To achieve those objectives, secondary materials from relevant existing literature, pictures and news reports are used to draw up conclusions. The paper not only contributes significantly to the literature concerning population displacements and forced migration in Nigeria but also stimulates important policies (including socio-economic, security and legal policies) as responses toward addressing identified issues and challenges.