AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CAMP OFFICIALS TOWARDS THE MANAGEMENT OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS CAMPS IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The current discourse around the Nigerian government and politics has been dominated by the issue of insecurity, namely its implications for national unity and its negative impact on the socio-economic progress of the Nigerian state (Chibuzor, 2015). The socio-cultural context of the nation gives rise to crises and acts of violence that are rooted in multi-ethnic and religious differences. These incidents are particularly prevalent in the northern regions of the country. The country has experienced various crises and internal conflicts, including the political crisis of the Kano riot in 1953, the census crisis of 1962/63, the federal election crisis of 1964, the Nigerian Civil War of 1967/70, as well as the Niger-Delta crisis, the Boko Haram insurgency, and the conflict between Fulani herders and farmers (Adamu & Rasheed, 2016). The Boko Haram insurgency has had a significant impact on Nigeria's socio-economic and political stability, making it the most prominent challenge that the Nigerian government has faced since the country's transition to democracy in 1999. The violent acts perpetrated by Boko Haram pose a significant danger to both national and international security, since they have a profound impact on the peace and stability of bordering nations within the West Africa area (Adeola, 2016). The Nigerian government is faced with the complex challenge of combating various national issues, particularly in the northeast region of the country. These issues include the vicious assault perpetrated by Islamic extremists on military personnel, religious institutions such as churches and mosques, educational institutions, media outlets, markets, farms, and international agencies (Adeola, 2020). The perspective on the consequences of the insurgency extends beyond the framework of national security to include human security, since the damages inflicted by the extremist Islamic group, Boko Haram, are marked by the devastation of both lives and property (Adewale, 2016). The Boko Haram insurgency has had a profound impact on the morale of the residents and has caused significant damage to their community. The consequences of the Boko Haram insurgency are characterised by several societal challenges, including diseases, starvation, unemployment, human rights violations, internal displacements, inadequate housing, loss of life, environmental degradation, and limited access to education. These issues together contribute to a complex human security crisis (Adewale, 2016). The escalation of violent assaults perpetrated by the Boko Haram faction culminates in the tragic loss of life, with a staggering number of over 20,000 individuals falling victim to these attacks. Furthermore, the repercussions of these acts of violence extend beyond the immediate casualties, as they have resulted in the forced displacement of a substantial population of over 2.6 million individuals from their respective villages (Daily Trust, 2015). The forced movement of individuals is a significant outcome of terrorist acts, resulting in detrimental effects on the socio-economic conditions of the population residing in the northern region (Agbaje, 2020). The displacement of individuals residing in the northern region is mostly attributed to the activities of the insurgency, accounting for around 90% of the affected population. In contrast, natural and environmental disasters are responsible for the displacement of a comparatively smaller proportion, approximately 10%, of individuals. In order to address the severe humanitarian crisis, camps were established as a secure refuge for internally displaced individuals in the northern region of Nigeria. The study therefore assess the effectiveness of camp officials towards the management of internally displaced persons camps in Nigeria.

1.2  Statement of the problem

The vast majority of persons who are considered internally displaced in the northeast have been forced to abandon their homes as a direct result of the persistent assaults that have been carried out on their communities. As a result, they have been forced to take up temporary residence in an IDP camp while they wait for their resettlement to begin. Approximately 10,000 people are now being housed across the majority of the camp. However, the observed tragic circumstance is that the displaced people are in critical need of food, shelter, and high-quality medical treatment. The insurgency has prevented older students from advancing their education beyond the primary school level (Ajayi, 2020). The youngsters, who make up roughly thirty percent of the survivors, are only allowed to get an education up to the elementary school level. Efforts made by the government to help internally displaced people deal with their difficulties Despite this, the victims of the insurgency in the camp continue to face severe physical and mental obstacles, such as unemployment, insecurity, lack of access to foods and drinkable water, overcrowding, and dirty environments. This is primarily attributable to the ineffectiveness of camp officials in properly managing the individuals in question. Some of the internally displaced people are forced to leave the camp because of the terrible conditions, which is necessary for their life, protection, and security. Leaving the camp was a single decision that made their predicament much more difficult (Chibuzor, 2015). IDPs are forced to leave the camp because of the deplorable circumstances, which is necessary for their protection and continued existence. The simple act of escaping the camp makes their predicament far more difficult. They are compelled to begin a new life in their new location as they attempt to adapt to the communities that have taken them in, but the government and humanitarian organisations are unable to provide them with protection or help (Akinola, 2015). They were given the status of foreigners in their new location and received little to no acknowledgement as indigenous people in areas pertaining to their wellness. The presence of displaced people in new communities places an excessive strain on the resources that are already available. This poses an even greater risk to the residents of the host towns and makes their level of life poorer. Because the victims of the Internally Displaced Persons crisis are mostly young people, children, and women who are important to the socioeconomic and progressive growth of the Nigerian state (Hassan, 2015), the situation has grown worrying for the nation. Because of this, the situation is a source of worry for both the government and several international organisations, in addition to people in the political system. Therefore the study assess the Nigerian-State and the efforts in the Management of Internally Displaced Persons.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to assess the effectiveness of camp officials towards the management of internally displaced persons camps in Nigeria. The specific objectives is as follows:

i.To analyze the role of camp officials in managing the behaviour of IDPs in camp in Nigeria.

ii.To examine the effectiveness of camp officials in the management of IDP camp in Nigeria.

ii. To investigate the challenges confronting camp officials in managing IDP Camp in Nigeria.

1.4       Research questions

The study will be guided by the following questions;

i.What is the role of camp officials in managing the behaviour of IDPs in camp in Nigeria?

ii.What is the effectiveness of camp officials in the management of IDP camp in Nigeria?

ii. What are the challenges confronting camp officials in managing IDP Camp in Nigeria?

1.5 Significance of the study

The findings of the study will reveal the inadequate coordination between government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the delivery of humanitarian aid to the IDP camp will be shown by the results of the research when it is completed. Despite the fact that these NGOs were eager to give humanitarian help to the women, the fact that NCFRMI and NEMA did not provide enough administrative support made it impossible to accomplish this goal..

The findings of the study is significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focuses on  the effectiveness of camp officials towards the management of internally displaced persons camps in Nigeria. Hence, the study will analyze the role of camp officials in managing the behaviour of IDPs in camp in Nigeria, examine the effectiveness of camp officials in the management of IDP camp in Nigeria and  investigate the challenges confronting camp officials in managing IDP Camp in Nigeria. Hence, the study is delimited to IDP camp in Maiduguri.

1.8       Limitations of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.9       Definition of terms

Camp officials: all Employees, consultants and volunteers performing any service in connection with the Culture Camp

IDP: internally displaced persons