President Bola Tinubu signed the Kampala Convention Bill for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons into law on Friday, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s approach to displacement crises. The legislation, sponsored by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, domesticates the African Union’s Kampala Convention and creates binding legal obligations for federal and state governments to protect and assist citizens forced from their homes by conflict, violence, or natural disasters.
Legislative Journey Concludes
The bill passed through both chambers of the National Assembly earlier this year before advancing to the presidency for final approval. Kalu championed the measure through multiple readings and committee reviews, arguing that Nigeria required a comprehensive statutory framework to address its growing internal displacement challenges. The Deputy Speaker consistently emphasized that existing policies lacked the enforcement mechanisms necessary to guarantee rights for displaced populations.
Presidential Action Formalizes Protections
Tinubu appended his signature to the document at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, thereby transforming the convention’s principles into enforceable Nigerian law. The move aligned with his administration’s stated commitment to humanitarian reform and regional security cooperation. Presidential aides confirmed the signing ceremony occurred during a routine briefing on legislative matters.
Bill Establishes Clear Government Duties
The new law mandates specific responsibilities for authorities at all levels. Federal agencies must now coordinate displacement responses, maintain registration systems for IDPs, and ensure access to basic services including food, shelter, and medical care.
State governments received directives to establish dedicated displacement commissions and develop contingency plans for rapid onset crises. Furthermore, the legislation prohibits arbitrary forced evictions from camps and guarantees displaced persons’ rights to voluntary return or resettlement.
Kalu Hails Legislative Victory
Kalu welcomed the presidential assent as a triumph for vulnerable Nigerians. “This is a historic moment for our nation,” he stated. “The Kampala Convention Bill ensures that internally displaced persons will no longer remain invisible in our legal system.” He added that the law “places Nigeria firmly on the path toward fulfilling its human rights obligations to citizens who have lost everything.”
The Deputy Speaker also addressed implementation concerns. “We have moved beyond mere promises,” he said. “This statute creates accountability. Government officials who fail to protect IDPs now face specific legal consequences.” Kalu pledged continued legislative oversight to ensure adequate budgetary allocations for displacement programs.
