As the global community comes together to observe World Refugee Day, a sobering message is emerging from Nigeria: over 3.3 million people are now internally displaced within the country. The Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development issued this serious update during a press briefing held Friday in Abuja. The conference also marked the launch of nominations for the Institute’s Pan-African Humanitarian Leadership Award (PAHLA), an initiative aimed at spotlighting over 100 individuals and organizations making tangible strides in the face of Africa’s pressing humanitarian challenges.
Dr. Francis Origa, the Institute’s Registrar, didn’t mince words when describing the scope of Nigeria’s displacement crisis. He pointed to a toxic mix of violence, weak governance, and long-ignored systemic issues as driving forces behind the growing humanitarian emergency. His call to action was direct: African governments and the international community must go beyond surface-level fixes and commit to tackling the deep-rooted causes of instability and forced migration.
Dr. Origa also championed the adoption of the United Nations’ “human security” model, a concept that shifts focus from national defense strategies to the safety and dignity of individuals. He argued that this approach better supports sustainable development and long-term peace by addressing issues at their core.
“Displacement doesn’t just happen out of nowhere,” Origa explained. “These are our neighbors, our fellow citizens, people who once lived normal lives until conflict and fear pushed them out. If we keep throwing temporary solutions at a long-term problem, we’ll never truly resolve it.”
He urged Nigerian authorities to go beyond token gestures, emphasizing the importance of conducting serious and well-informed conflict analysis. Understanding the root causes, key players, and external influences, he said, is essential if we’re to craft effective, lasting solutions.
So far, the Institute has trained more than 7,800 people in areas like crisis management, peacebuilding, and humanitarian response, an effort to better prepare frontline workers and policymakers alike for the complex realities on the ground.
Looking ahead, the PAHLA Awards are scheduled to take place in Abuja from October 15 to 19, 2025. The event is expected to draw over 500 participants from more than 30 African nations. Origa described the awards as a stage for celebrating Africa’s often-unsung champions, those offering refuge, advocating for justice, and challenging the silence that often surrounds humanitarian crises.
“This isn’t just about giving out trophies,” he said. “It’s about honoring the countless people who’ve quietly committed their lives to helping others, whether it’s the policy analyst pushing for reform, the local elder opening their home to the displaced, or the volunteer handing out supplies where the cameras don’t go.”
World Refugee Day, commemorated every year on June 20, serves as a moment to reflect on the strength and resilience of displaced people across the world. More than anything, it’s a call to action, a reminder that behind every statistic is a human life waiting for safety, dignity, and a chance to rebuild.