Is the Destination Safe? Examining the Living Conditions of Displaced Persons in Nigeria and Their Impact on Health Outcomes

Forced displacement has emerged as a pressing global crisis, with millions of people uprooted due to conflict, violence, environmental disasters, and economic instability. Nigeria, one of the most affected countries in West Africa, hosts a significant population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees. These populations face immense challenges in their new environments, which profoundly impact their safety, access to essential services, and overall health outcomes. This article examines the living conditions of displaced persons in Nigeria, drawing on data from the IDRC Forced Displacement Project for Anglophone West Africa, to shed light on the intersection of displacement, safety, and health.

The study involved 500 respondents, evenly divided between 250 IDPs (50%) and 250 refugees (50%). Among refugees, Cameroonians constituted the largest group, representing 73% of all refugees and 36% of the total displaced population, while 4% were from Chad. The research was conducted across six displacement camps: Elmiskin IDPs Camp, Gidan Itche IDPs Camp, Gubio IDPs Camp, Madinatu IDPs Camp, Shuwari Filling Ball Camp, and Konduga IDPs Camp.

Safety and Security in Host Communities
Safety remains a paramount concern for displaced populations. While 77% of refugees and 88% of IDPs fled their homes due to conflict and violent attacks, the majority reported feeling relatively safe in their host communities. Specifically, 44% of respondents described their environment as "very safe," and 47% as "somewhat safe." However, 5% expressed feeling "somewhat unsafe" or "very unsafe," highlighting persistent security concerns.

Despite the general sense of safety, displaced persons often face ongoing threats such as harassment, crime, and sporadic violence within camps and surrounding areas. Some camps lack adequate protection, leaving residents vulnerable to external attacks. Security measures, including the presence of law enforcement and community vigilance groups, play a critical role in maintaining stability. However, the effectiveness of these measures varies significantly across camps, with some receiving better protection than others. Addressing these security gaps is essential to ensuring a safer and more stable environment for displaced populations.

Economic Hardships and Health Outcomes

Economic instability is a significant driver of poor living conditions among displaced persons. The study revealed that only 7% of respondents were employed, while 93% remained unemployed. This lack of economic opportunities exacerbates challenges such as inadequate access to clean water, sanitation facilities, healthcare services, and reproductive health resources. Poor hygiene and insufficient sanitation further increase the risk of preventable diseases and infections.

Unemployment forces many displaced persons to rely heavily on humanitarian aid and government assistance. Some engage in informal economic activities, such as petty trading and manual labor, but these opportunities are often inconsistent and poorly compensated. The inability to secure stable employment has long-term implications, hindering socio-economic integration and perpetuating cycles of poverty. Limited access to financial assistance and microcredit further complicates efforts to rebuild lives and achieve economic independence.

Health outcomes among displaced populations are alarming. The lack of accessible healthcare facilities and essential medical services has led to widespread communicable diseases, including cholera, malaria, and respiratory infections. Malnutrition is another critical issue, particularly among children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Without improved living conditions and adequate medical interventions, these health challenges will continue to burden vulnerable populations.

Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue affecting displaced populations, particularly women and girls. Alarmingly, only 20% of refugees and 19% of IDPs reported accessing or knowing someone who had accessed GBV-related support services. The lack of adequate response mechanisms leaves survivors without essential care, exacerbating mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

In displacement settings, GBV manifests in various forms, including domestic violence, sexual assault, forced prostitution, and child marriage. Women and girls are especially vulnerable due to overcrowded living conditions and inadequate shelter. The absence of legal protections and weak law enforcement further compound the problem, allowing perpetrators to act with impunity.

Mental health challenges extend beyond GBV survivors, affecting displaced persons more broadly. The trauma of losing one’s home, witnessing violence, and enduring prolonged instability often leads to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Unfortunately, mental health support services are scarce, and stigma discourages many from seeking help. Strengthening GBV response services and mental health support mechanisms is critical to improving the well-being of displaced populations.

Access to Education and Long-Term Health Outcomes
Education is a cornerstone of long-term health and economic stability. However, the study found that 34% of respondents rated access to education for both boys and girls at the lowest level, with only 10-13% rating it at the highest level. Limited educational opportunities hinder socio-economic mobility, health literacy, and decision-making skills, perpetuating cycles of poverty and poor health.

For displaced children, education is often disrupted due to displacement, leading to prolonged learning gaps. Many children are unable to enroll in schools due to a lack of documentation, financial constraints, or the absence of nearby educational facilities. Even when schools are available within camps, they often suffer from inadequate resources, overcrowded classrooms, and insufficient teaching staff.

Education plays a vital role in shaping future health outcomes. Children with access to education are more likely to understand hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention. Moreover, education reduces the risk of exploitative labor, child marriage, and recruitment into armed groups. Investing in education for displaced populations is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and improving long-term health outcomes.

Conclusion
The findings highlight the severe challenges faced by displaced persons in Nigeria, including food insecurity, inadequate housing, limited access to healthcare, and high unemployment rates. These conditions collectively contribute to poor physical and mental health outcomes, while gender-based violence further exacerbates vulnerabilities among women and girls. Additionally, limited access to education undermines the long-term prospects of displaced children, perpetuating socio-economic instability.

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach. Policymakers and humanitarian organisations must prioritise improved access to essential services, economic empowerment initiatives, by enhanced safety measures for displaced populations. Sustainable solutions must not only address immediate needs but also empower displaced persons to rebuild their lives. Ensuring a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment is crucial for fostering resilience and improving overall health outcomes among displaced populations in Nigeria.