World Bank has approved $300m for Northern Nigeria Displacement and Host Communities Project.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the World Bank has approved $300 million to finance the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project (SOLID) in Northern Nigeria, targeting improved access to essential services and economic opportunities for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and their host communities.
According to a statement from the Bank, the initiative adopts an integrated development strategy designed to transition both IDPs and their hosts from dependency on humanitarian aid to self-reliance and resilience, aligning with Nigeria’s long-term development goals.
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Northern Nigeria has been severely impacted by ongoing conflict and insecurity, displacing more than 3.5 million people and putting significant strain on the infrastructure and services of host communities. The resulting population surge has worsened access to basic amenities and heightened vulnerability to natural disasters such as flooding.
“Local governments are unable to fully address these challenges and meet the needs of both residents and displaced populations. This has led to competition for scarce resources and limited livelihood opportunities,” the World Bank noted.
The SOLID Project will build on existing government programs, international partnerships, and the earlier World Bank-supported Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP), which focused on short-term emergency recovery. Key priorities include:
Developing and maintaining climate-resilient infrastructure.
Promoting social cohesion through community planning, economic cooperatives, and IDP integration.
Supporting livelihoods for IDPs and residents to sustain economic activities.
Strengthening institutions to manage demographic shifts caused by displacement.
World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, described the project as having “tremendous potential” to address long-term displacement challenges.
“The project’s integrated approach, aligned with the National IDP Policy and Federal Government’s development vision, will ensure that communities can transition from dependency to self-reliance, opening better economic opportunities,” Verghis said.
Expected to benefit up to 7.4 million people, including 1.3 million IDPs, the SOLID Project will be implemented through a coordinated, community-driven approach involving all levels of government and strong partnerships with international stakeholders.
Task Team Leaders Fuad Malkawi and Christopher Johnson stressed the urgency of the initiative, saying it is vital to address infrastructure deficits and service delivery challenges in already strained host communities.
By bridging the gap between emergency relief and long-term development, the project aims to shift Northern Nigeria from crisis response to stability, resilience, and inclusive growth.
