World Bank approves $300m for northern Nigeria IDPs support

The World Bank has approved $300 million for a new initiative aimed at boosting access to essential services and economic opportunities for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and their host communities in northern Nigeria.

In a statement on Monday, the bank said the Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project (SOLID) received approval on August 7.

The programme will use an integrated development strategy to help communities transition from reliance on humanitarian aid to self-reliance and resilience.

According to the World Bank, ongoing conflict and insecurity in the region have displaced over 3.5 million people, putting severe pressure on infrastructure and intensifying competition for scarce resources.

SOLID will build on earlier interventions such as the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP), which focused on emergency recovery.

Key priorities under the new project include building climate-resilient infrastructure, fostering social cohesion, supporting livelihoods, and strengthening institutions to better manage the challenges of displacement.

“We are glad to support this initiative which has tremendous potential to help Nigeria address development challenges linked to protracted displacement in a sustainable way,” said Mathew Verghis, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria.

The bank said the project aligns with Nigeria’s National IDP Policy and the federal government’s long-term development vision, ensuring displaced populations can transition towards greater independence and improved economic prospects.

SOLID is expected to benefit up to 7.4 million people, including about 1.3 million IDPs.

It will be implemented through a coordinated, community-driven approach involving all tiers of government and supported by strong partnerships with international stakeholders.