CHAPTER ONE:

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The issue of displaced individuals has emerged as a matter of global significance in recent years, given its far-reaching repercussions. According to Olobo and Obaji (2016), the current estimated global population of displaced individuals is at around fifty million, with the bulk of these individuals located in Africa and Asia. The phenomenon of displacement inside Nigeria is mostly attributed to community violence, internal armed conflicts, and natural calamities, such as flooding. In the context of conflicts, especially those rooted in ethnicity or religion, the magnitude of humanitarian needs is substantial, but the available resources to address these needs inside the war zone are significantly constrained. Internally displaced civilian populations exhibit a migratory pattern inside their nation's borders, driven by the pursuit of safety and security. The act of compelling populations to relocate, leading to widespread departures, inherently violates both international human rights and humanitarian law. In Nigeria, the occurrence of conflicts stemming from the actions of Boko Haram in the North East region and Fulani herders has led to significant risks to both human lives and properties, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of millions of individuals (Eweka et al., 2016). Contrary to global expectations, the emergence of the new world order has been marked by heightened instability and turbulence in conflict situations, as well as the prevalence of unhealthy power dynamics, ethnic insurgencies, national rivalries, religious intolerance, governmental duplicity, and pervasive poverty. These issues have been attributed to the influence of globalisation.

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) refer to individuals or collectives who have been compelled or coerced to evacuate or abandon their residences or customary dwelling locations, primarily due to the repercussions of armed conflict, instances of widespread violence, infringements upon human rights, or occurrences of natural or anthropogenic calamities. It is noteworthy that these individuals have not traversed a state boundary that holds international recognition (Abdulrahman & Zuwaira, 2016). Adewale (2016) asserts that the reaction to instances of internal relocation in Africa has often shown a sluggish or absent nature. The provision of essential necessities, including housing, healthcare services, sustenance, potable water, and educational infrastructure, is often scarce. The living conditions in Nigerian internally displaced persons (IDP) camps are lamentable, subjecting the displaced individuals to various hardships. A significant number of IDPs resort to open defecation due to inadequate toilet facilities, while they rely on host communities for accessing water. The accommodations within the camps are in a deplorable state, characterised by sagging roofs, complete absence of roofs in some cases, and temporary tent structures. Furthermore, the security situation in these camps is severely lacking. The existing school infrastructure is insufficient in creating an optimal learning environment for children.Moreover, a significant concern is the insufficient allocation of human resources to effectively support the management operations inside the camp. Therefore, the researcher sought to assess the managerial related challenges of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the problem

A visit to any of the internally displaced people camps in Nigeria will provide a vivid depiction of forsakenness, suffering, and calamity. The people, the ambiance, and the facilities are all competing for one's undivided and entire focus. Upon initial arrival at the camps, newcomers are often met with outdated or antiquated edifices, temporary structures and tents serving as habitations, dilapidated buildings lacking roofs, an absence of designated religious facilities, and a dearth of social or infrastructural amenities aimed at supporting the internally displaced populace (Nsofor, 2015). In the context of accommodating those who have experienced displacement, it is often seen that some essential amenities, which play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, protection, and comfort of the relocated individuals, are often disregarded. According to the United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - OCHA, it is estimated that over 2.5 million children living in IDP camps have challenges related to the absence of fundamental necessities such as adequate nutrition, clothes, and housing. In addition, it has been observed that the government-operated camps are facing a shortage of water, sanitation, and hygiene services, resulting in a situation where the number of displaced individuals surpasses the available resources (Olugbode, 2017). The internally displaced people camps in Abuja, similar to other camps for displaced persons in Nigeria, exhibit deficiencies in essential administrative attributes that might enhance operational efficiency and overall comfort. Hence, the study assess the managerial related challenges of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to assess the managerial related challenges of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria. The specific objectives is as follows:

1.        Assess the effectiveness of IDP camps in the management of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria

2.        Ascertain the challenges of IDP camps in the management of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.

3.        Determine the implications of ineffective management of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.

1.4 Research questions

The study will be guided by the following questions:

1.        What is the effectiveness of IDP camps in the management of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria?

2.        What are the challenges of IDP camps in the management of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria?

3.        What are the implications of ineffective management of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria?

1.5 Significance of the study

The study results would provide valuable insights to state governments, as they would get an understanding of the many issues faced by internally displaced individuals in their daily lives. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) would get advantages from this research while concurrently engaging with internally displaced persons (IDPs). The study will provide valuable insights for the non-governmental organisation (NGO) in understanding how to effectively assist individuals who are experiencing psychological distress due to the circumstances that led to their displacement from their residences. This research aims to disseminate valuable insights to the broader population. The libraries will provide valuable educational resources. This study will provide useful literature for further researchers who will conduct related research in the future.

1.6 Scope of the study

The focus of the study is to assess the managerial related challenges of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria. Hence, the study will assess the effectiveness of IDP camps in the management of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria, ascertain the challenges of IDP camps in the management of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria and determine the implications of ineffective management of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria. The study is delimited to IDP camps in Kano State.

1.7 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.

1.8 Definition of terms

IDP: internally displaced persons

Management: the process of dealing with or controlling things or people.

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