World Bank Releases $300M Lifeline For Northern Nigeria’s IDPs — 7 Million Set To Benefit

The World Bank has approved $300 million in funding for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project (SOLID) in Northern Nigeria. The initiative aims to enhance access to essential services and economic opportunities for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the communities hosting them.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to a statement from the bank, the project adopts an integrated development approach designed to help both IDPs and host communities achieve self-sufficiency and resilience, aligning with Nigeria’s long-term development objectives.

Ongoing conflict and insecurity in Northern Nigeria have displaced over 3.5 million people, placing immense strain on infrastructure and basic services in host areas. The population surge has also heightened vulnerability to disasters such as flooding.

“Local governments alone cannot meet the growing demands of both residents and displaced populations. This has intensified competition for limited resources and reduced livelihood opportunities for all,” the statement noted.

Building on government-led efforts, global partnerships, and the earlier World Bank–backed Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP), SOLID will focus on:

• Developing and maintaining climate-resilient infrastructure

• Fostering social cohesion through community planning, economic cooperatives, and IDP integration

• Supporting livelihood creation for both IDPs and residents

• Strengthening institutions to better manage the demographic pressures of forced displacement

World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, said the project offers “tremendous potential” to address the challenges of long-term displacement.

“By aligning with the National IDP Policy and the Federal Government’s development vision, SOLID will help IDPs and host communities move from dependency on aid to self-reliance and resilience, unlocking better economic opportunities,” Verghis stated.

The SOLID Project is expected to reach 7.4 million beneficiaries, including about 1.3 million IDPs, through a coordinated, community-driven implementation involving all tiers of government and strong collaboration with international partners.

Task Team Leaders Fuad Malkawi and Christopher Johnson emphasized that the program bridges the gap between emergency relief and sustainable development, shifting Northern Nigeria from a crisis-driven response to long-term stability, resilience, and inclusive growth.