In S’East 268,000 Displaced By Natural Disasters Says Kalu

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on Monday, said more than 268,000 persons have been rendered homeless in the South-East as a result of natural disasters.

The internally displaced persons, he said, were camped in 158 tents in the affected communities.

Kalu disclosed this in Abuja at a roundtable discussion with international non-governmental organisations, during a programme titled “Through their eyes: A call to action, addressing humanitarian challenges in the South-East.”

The lawmaker said Enugu, Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi states were affected, as many residents lacked access to clean water, adequate shelter, healthcare, and education.

Organised by the Office of the Deputy Speaker, in conjunction with the Peace In South East Project, the roundtable aimed at exploring avenues for deeper partnerships, engendering resilience, and delivering sustainable solutions to ecological challenges facing the country.

Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, added that the crisis in the region was characterised by displacement, violence, and ecological challenges, including natural disasters like gully erosion which had rendered many people homeless.

He said, “The South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, characterised by displacement, violence, and ecological challenges.

“Report presented today underscores the grim realities: over 268,000 internally displaced persons are spread across 158 camps and affected communities.

“The states of Enugu, Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi bear the brunt of this crisis, with precarious living conditions leaving many without access to clean water, adequate shelter, healthcare, and education.

“Shelter, in particular, remains a pressing concern. Families live in makeshift camps or overcrowded host communities and are exposed to health risks, insecurity, and a loss of dignity.

“Natural disasters like gully erosion have destroyed homes, leaving little to return to. This crisis demands not only immediate intervention but also sustainable strategies to restore stability and hope.”

He recognised the role of international organisations in addressing the challenges of ecological disasters.

“From food distribution to improving healthcare access, your interventions have touched the lives of millions.

“Additionally, your advocacy for marginalised groups, funding for local projects, and systemic support have provided critical relief and long-term opportunities.

“As a representative of the National Assembly, I am deeply committed to championing legislative and policy frameworks that address these issues comprehensively,” he said.

Kalu identified education, healthcare and nutrition, mental health support, gender-based violence and shelter as the thematic areas that needed urgent attention.

He described the crisis in the South East as a national concern, saying, “We, in government, pledge to facilitate an enabling environment for your work.

“This includes removing systemic barriers, enhancing security in affected regions, and providing a robust policy framework to guide interventions.

“Together, we can bridge the gap between immediate humanitarian relief and sustainable development.

“I urge us all to remain steadfast in our shared mission. Let us align our resources, strategies, and resolve to build a Nigeria where no one is left behind, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

“Your insights and recommendations from today’s discussions will guide the formulation of evidence-based interventions,” Kalu said.

At the discussion were the Head of International NGOs in Nigeria, Camilla Higgins; the Director General of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Umar Mohammed; the National Coordinator of National Social Investment Programme Agency, Badamasi Lawal; the Director General of National Refugees Commission and Migrants, Alhaji Aliyu Ahmed; representatives of the Directors General of National Directorate of Employment and National Emergency Management Agency.

In their separate remarks, the heads of the agencies were overwhelmed by the degree of ecological challenges and human crisis in the southeast, arising from a video documentary played at the session.

They, therefore, pledged their respective commitments in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Speaker to address the menace.