The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) says that it reached not less than 1.4 million people in Nigeria with its assistance in 2024.

The IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria,Paola Pace, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja.

She said that the organisation achieved such through broad range of actions spanning the nexus that included 1,197,432 beneficiaries of humanitarian support.

This, according to Mr Pace, included Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM), WASH services, and Shelter and Non-Food Items (S/NFI) assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable host communities.

She said that 30,562 individuals were supported through development initiatives, such as livelihood and resilience-building programmes in the year.

The IOM boss added that 10,332 people benefited from peace building efforts targeting conflict-affected communities.

“Our outreach has been significant in both rural and urban areas, providing critical services to internally displaced persons, returnees and host communities,” she said.

Ms Pace reiterated its commitment to scaling up humanitarian assistance and fostering durable solutions for the most vulnerable populations in Nigeria in 2025.

According to her, Nigerians can expect even greater efforts from IOM in expanding humanitarian reach and scaling up support for vulnerable populations.

The IOM boss said further that the organisation would also be driving initiatives that empowered individuals and communities.

“In 2025, IOM plans to scale these numbers up, especially as the country transitions from humanitarian action to foster durable solutions, ensuring a more sustainable future for the most vulnerable populations.

“Nigerians can expect even greater efforts from us in expanding our reach, scaling up our support for the most vulnerable populations, and driving initiatives that empower individuals and communities.

“Our programmes will continue to focus on sustainable development, resilience building, and ensuring that we can deliver on the promise of migration for all,” she said.

Ms Pace added: “Whether in the context of internal displacement or international migration, Nigerians should expect that counteracting vulnerability and harnessing the many benefits of migration will remain priorities in 2025.

“The floods of 2024 demonstrated how quickly and unequivocally a disaster can push individuals into situations of vulnerability or compound already existing vulnerability.

“We will work not only to respond to such terrible events, but also to push policymaking on anticipatory action and on the environmental front, tackling climate change and land and livelihood degradation.”

 (NAN)