Population growth, resource scarcity fueling conflicts in Nigeria – IOM rep

The Chief Mission of the International Organisation for Migration in Nigeria, Paula Pace on Friday said that the struggle for resources is the major cause of conflicts in Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists at Ortese internally displaced persons camp located in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, the IOM representative in Nigeria said that the population is increasing without the commensurate increase in resources.

The IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria was in the state on a two-day visit, part of the mission was a visit to IDP camps in Mbayion and Ortese built by IOM.

She said, “We are also looking at the root causes of the crisis. I believe that it is because the population is increasing while the resources are the same. So, there is a fight for resources.

“There is more work to be done in terms of empowering people to enable them to survive. We will bring the private sector in Nigeria and other places to see if they can come and create jobs and income for the people.

“I have seen some improvement. The last time I came I saw congested camps but this time, there are more dignified camps. There is so much to be done and that is why I came to assess and see how we can support the Benue State Governor and the communities to make a difference in 2025.

“So, we hope to work more and attract more partners to work with us in strengthening more emergency response as well as prevention, especially in areas of flooding which could be prevented. We have done volunteer training for the IDPs and the host communities. So, we are in this together to give the people more hope to realize their rights.”

Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, James Iorpuu, expressed appreciation to IOM for deploying resources and bringing in other partners to intervene in the humanitarian situation of IDPs in the state.