The World Bank has approved $300 million in financing to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and their host communities in northern Nigeria, under a new initiative called the SOLID Project (Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project).
This large-scale development effort is aimed at expanding access to basic services, improving economic opportunities, and helping vulnerable communities shift from dependence to self-sufficiency.
With conflict and insecurity continuing to uproot lives in the region, over 3.5 million Nigerians have been displaced. Many have taken refuge in towns and villages that are now struggling to cope with the added pressure on infrastructure, services, and resources. Frequent natural disasters such as flooding have further worsened the situation.
According to the World Bank, local governments have limited capacity to meet the needs of both long-time residents and displaced people. This shortfall has led to growing competition for housing, jobs, water, and other essential resources.
The SOLID Project is designed to respond to these challenges by adopting an integrated development approach, helping communities become more resilient and aligned with Nigeria’s long-term development vision.
Key areas of focus include:
- Building and maintaining climate-resilient infrastructure
- Promoting social cohesion through inclusive community planning and cooperative development
- Supporting livelihoods and economic activity for both IDPs and locals
- Strengthening local institutions to adapt to shifting population dynamics
“This project has the potential to address the root causes of long-term displacement in a sustainable way,” said Mathew Verghis, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria. “By transitioning from humanitarian aid to long-term development, we’re opening doors for people to rebuild their lives with dignity.”
The SOLID Project will build on previous recovery programs, including the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP), which focused on emergency interventions. Unlike short-term relief efforts, SOLID will be community-driven, involving all levels of government and international partners in its implementation.
An estimated 7.4 million people are expected to benefit from the project, including around 1.3 million internally displaced persons.
World Bank officials Fuad Malkawi and Christopher Johnson, who are leading the project team, described the operation as a crucial step toward closing service gaps and helping communities achieve lasting economic and social stability.
