Struggling to Survive: The Economic Hardships of Nigeria’s Displaced Populations
The economic struggles of forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) in Nigeria remain one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges, yet they receive far less attention than issues like food insecurity and shelter. Despite various interventions, an overwhelming 93% of displaced persons remain unemployed, leaving thousands trapped in cycles of dependency and financial insecurity.
Without stable employment, many displaced individuals are unable to afford food, medical care, or basic necessities, making them reliant on government aid and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). A recent study has revealed that only 7% of displaced persons have managed to secure stable jobs, raising urgent concerns about their long-term survival and integration into host communities.
A Life of Dependency
For many displaced persons, economic survival is a daily battle. The study, conducted as part of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Research Project on Forced Displacement in West Africa, found that 41% of refugees and 40% of IDPs depend on government assistance as their primary source of income. Another 23% of refugees and 17% of IDPs rely on aid from humanitarian organisations to meet their daily needs.
This heavy dependence on external aid highlights a critical gap in Nigeria’s approach to handling forced displacement. While emergency relief efforts provide short-term support, many displaced persons find themselves stuck in limbo, unable to achieve self-reliance. The lack of sustainable economic opportunities means that thousands remain vulnerable to extreme poverty, exploitation, and even re-displacement.
A displaced man, speaking anonymously, shared his struggles: “I had a farm back home, but when the attacks started, we had to flee. Here, I have nothing. I depend on food handouts, but I want to work and provide for my family.”
Why Displaced Persons Can’t Find Work
Despite the desire to work, many displaced persons face significant barriers to employment. The study identified several key factors that make it difficult for IDPs and refugees to secure jobs, even in host communities where economic activity is thriving.
One of the biggest hurdles is lack of vocational training and education. Many displaced persons were forced to leave their homes suddenly, disrupting their education and skill development. Without formal education or vocational training, they struggle to compete in local job markets.
Another major issue is discrimination and stigma. Employers are often reluctant to hire displaced persons due to negative stereotypes or lack of awareness about their legal status. Many FDPs report experiencing rejection when seeking jobs, with some employers fearing that hiring them could lead to complications with local authorities.
Language barriers also create additional challenges, particularly for refugees from neighboring countries who do not speak the dominant local languages. Even among IDPs, dialect differences can pose difficulties in communication and workplace integration.
For those who do manage to find work, legal and documentation challenges become another roadblock. Many displaced persons lack proper identification documents, work permits, or proof of qualifications, which are often required for formal employment. Without legal documentation, they are forced into informal, low-paying jobs, where they remain vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
A Call for Economic Empowerment
With such dire conditions, experts and humanitarian organisations stress that urgent action is needed to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for displaced persons. The study calls for a multi-pronged approach to economic inclusion, focusing on vocational training, financial empowerment, and legal support.
One of the key recommendations is the expansion of vocational training programmes, tailored to local labor market demands. Training in fields such as agriculture, tailoring, construction, and digital skills could equip displaced persons with employable skills and help them secure jobs or start their own businesses.
There is also a need for microfinance initiatives and business grants to support displaced entrepreneurs. Many FDPs have the skills and experience to run small businesses but lack the financial capital to get started. Providing small loans or grants could help them establish income-generating activities and reduce dependency on aid.
Job placement programmes are another crucial solution. Government agencies, NGOs, and private sector employers should collaborate to create pathways for displaced persons to enter the workforce. This could include internships, apprenticeships, and direct employment opportunities.
Furthermore, legal support is essential to ensure displaced persons can obtain work permits and identification documents. Streamlining the process for FDPs to access legal documentation would remove one of the biggest barriers preventing them from participating in the economy.
A Future of Self-Sufficiency
As revealed by the study, “sustainable livelihood programmes are critical to ensuring that displaced persons can move beyond dependency and build a future of self-sufficiency.” Addressing the economic hardships of displaced persons is not just about providing immediate relief; it is about creating long-term solutions that allow them to regain their dignity and independence.
Nigeria continues to face waves of displacement due to ongoing conflicts, insecurity, and environmental challenges. If economic solutions are not prioritised, thousands of displaced persons will remain trapped in poverty, with little hope of rebuilding their lives.
The path forward requires a commitment from the government, humanitarian agencies, and the private sector to invest in economic opportunities for displaced persons. Without decisive action, the financial struggles of Nigeria’s displaced populations will only deepen, making long-term stability even harder to achieve.
For the displaced, a job is more than just a paycheck and that will be the key to reclaiming their future.