Public Services International (PSI) and its affiliate unions in Nigeria have urged the federal government to enhance access to quality public services for internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country. The unions argue that Nigeria's National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons, though aligned with international standards, remains largely humanitarian in focus and fails to address the structural issues needed for durable solutions.
Call for Rights-Based Approach
The unions stress that the policy should adopt a rights-based and public service-centered approach that prioritizes strong public institutions, protection of workers, decent work opportunities, sustainable financing, and accountability mechanisms. The call was made during a one-day stakeholders' engagement and national advocacy meeting in Abuja under the theme, “Policy Gaps, Opportunities and Roles of Trade Unions in National IDP Response.”
Strengthening Policy Implementation
Chairman of the PSI National Coordinating Council in Nigeria, Comrade Aliyu Mohammed, said Nigeria's growing displacement crisis requires stronger policy implementation and improved service delivery across IDP camps and host communities. He noted that while Nigeria has adopted policies to protect displaced persons, there remains a need to domesticate and enforce existing frameworks to improve the welfare of millions of IDPs.
Mohammed explained that the meeting brought together trade unions, government agencies, and civil society organizations to identify policy gaps and develop strategies for strengthening support systems for displaced populations. Stakeholders must focus on promoting quality service delivery in healthcare, education, social welfare, and employment opportunities for displaced persons.
Role of Trade Unions
PSI Project Officer Aisha Bahadur emphasized that trade unions have a critical role in disaster management and response, noting that many displaced persons are also union members. She warned that occupational health and safety concerns are often neglected during emergencies, leaving both displaced persons and frontline workers vulnerable. Bahadur also highlighted the growing impact of climate change on displacement, calling for stronger institutional responses.
Implementation Challenges
Chinwe Nwachwukwu from the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) said that while Nigeria has made significant progress in developing legal and policy frameworks for IDP protection, the major challenge remains implementation and coordination among stakeholders. She commended PSI for its advocacy role in pushing for the approval of Nigeria's National IDP Policy and the domestication of the Kampala Convention.
Nwachwukwu identified poor coordination among institutions as a major obstacle to effective IDP response, noting that many actors work in silos. To address this, the commission developed a National Strategy for Durable Solutions to align national, state, and local interventions.
Support for Health Workers
National President of the Medical and Health Workers' Union of Nigeria, Comrade Dr. Kabiru Ado Minjibir, commended PSI for its partnership with Nigerian workers through capacity-building initiatives and training programs that enhance the welfare and professional development of health workers.
Abuja Declaration
PSI and its affiliate unions issued the Abuja Declaration, calling for increased investment in public healthcare, education, water and sanitation, housing, social welfare, and employment services delivered through adequately funded public institutions. They urged better protection for frontline public service workers and expansion of social protection programs, including universal health coverage, income support, disability benefits, and labour market integration initiatives for displaced persons.
