The Senate has passed the Kampala Convention Domestication Bill, 2025, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. With this action, Nigeria has taken a major step forward in converting its 2009 commitment to the African Union Convention on the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) into enforceable national law.
This signifies a number of things, amongst which are:
- The rights and protection mechanisms enshrined in the Kampala Convention now have legal standing in Nigeria.
- Institutional frameworks derive a robust legal mandate to prevent displacement, assist IDPs, and design durable solutions.
- A stronger focus on prevention of displacement drivers, including conflict, climate shocks, and development-induced disruptions.
- Participation from IDPs themselves is cemented in decision-making processes, a powerful shift toward inclusive, rights-based programming.
While we hope for presidential assent, and alignment across federal and state structures, it is important to advance capacity-building efforts with government partners ensuring the national legislation translates into frontline action. We must also integrate community voices and priorities into program design, strengthening accountability and impact.
This is an invaluable milestone for IDP protection in Africa, one that gives us a stronger platform to support displaced communities in Nigeria. In furtherance of our commitment to providing support for IDPs, Centre For Health Ethics Law and Development is ready to partner with government, civil society, and IDP communities to turn this law into tangible progress.