Norwegian Refugee Council

Published purpose

February 2016 - The intensification of the conflict between Boko Haram and Nigerian armed forces throughout 2015 has led to massive displacement in north-eastern Nigeria as well as a substantial outflux of refugees to neighbouring countries. The number of internally displaced persons has doubled since 2015, rising from 1 million to over 2.2 million people. Overall, the crisis is directly affecting more than 14 million people in Nigeria, of which 7 million will require humanitarian assistance in 2016. Of this amount, over 3 million conflict-affected people are currently beyond the reach of humanitarian actors due to the prevailing insecurity. Assistance and protection will also be vital for displaced populations seeking to return to their home areas, as ongoing insecurity and Boko Haram’s destruction of homes, lands, and infrastructure has increased overall vulnerability. With DFATD’s support, the Norwegian Refugee Council is helping to assist up to 8,000 conflict-affected people in Borno State. Project activities include: (1) building and rehabilitating emergency shelters benefitting up to 4,000 people; (2) providing housing, land, and property services for displaced populations; and (3) advocating for the housing, land, and property needs of vulnerable displaced populations.