The Senate at its plenary session on Wednesday, 27th September 2017 debated and passed for second reading, the Bill establishing a National Commission for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Refugees and Migrants. The Bill proposes to repeal the existing legal framework that establishes the National Commission for Refugees and enact a new Commission that encompasses IDPs in Nigeria.
Presenting the debate, Sen. Muhammad Ubali Shittu (APC: Jigawa) explained that the Bill’s objectives included:
- Repealing the National Commission for Refugees Act, 2004 and enacting a Commission with a broader mandate that takes into account IDPs in Nigeria;
- Utilizing the National Commission for IDPs, Refugees and Migrants as the central coordinating agency in managing, facilitating and administering matters related to IDPs;
- Facilitating institutional and stakeholder collaborations and networks for effective management of IDPs, Refugees and Migrants in Nigeria;
- Utilizing the Commission for the Federal Government’s National IDPs and migration policy,
- Creating a central platform for interaction and dialogue on matters related to IDPs, Refugees and Migrants in Nigeria;
- Reducing government expenditure through the creation of a single institution with a mandate on IDPs or Migrants in Nigeria;
- Enhancing accountability from statutory donors from funds given to the Commission for the management of refugees, IDPs or migrants in Nigeria;
Sen. Shittu stated that the Bill, if passed, would provide a legal framework for an existing administrative structure with no cost implication.
The Bill has been referred to the Committee on Special Duties and Interior who are expected to make their findings and recommendations on the Bill within 4 weeks.
