The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the European Union and the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), has unveiled a fresh humanitarian support package worth $1.1 million (approximately N1.7 billion) for displaced persons in Benue State.
The pledge was announced on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, during a courtesy visit to Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia by IOM’s Deputy Director General for Operations, Ms. Ugochi Daniels, alongside the Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Ms. Sylvia Ekra.
Speaking at the Old Banquet Hall in Government House, Makurdi, Governor Alia described the intervention as a significant step in strengthening the state’s humanitarian response and advancing durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
“Your visit to Benue underscores the fact that the suffering of our people has not been ignored.
“It represents not just solidarity but also recognition of our resilience and collective determination to rebuild lives with dignity,” the governor said.
Alia commended IOM for its roles in camp coordination, shelter and WASH services, and for deploying the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), which he noted has enhanced data-driven humanitarian response.
He further announced a $50,000 state contribution to IOM’s resilience programme, reiterating his administration’s commitment to restoring livelihoods.
In her remarks, Ms. Daniels explained that the new fund would be implemented in partnership with IOM, UNHCR, and UN-HABITAT, adding: “This collaboration reaffirms our shared responsibility towards crisis-affected populations and calls for deeper partnerships in pursuit of peace and sustainable recovery.”
Sir James Iorpuu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, highlighted IOM’s interventions in Benue since 2023, including IDP biometric registration, emergency shelters, safe water provision, and psychosocial support.
The delegation later visited the IDP Mega Camp where they interacted with displaced persons and inspected facilities.
During the event, Secretary to the State Government, Deaconess Serumun Deborah Aber, presented IOM with a Distinguished Humanitarian Award in recognition of its life-saving interventions in the state.
