HUMANITARIAN LAW AND INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT IN NIGERIA: AN URGENT NEED FOR LEGAL FRAMEWORK.

Abstract The problem of internal displacement in Nigeria is more of a reality than a mirage. Over the years, the issue of internal displacement was not a matter of national concern until displacement threats from the Boko Haram insurgency became a reality. Millions of Nigerians are currently in the status of internally displaced persons especially due to Boko Haram insurgency, Niger-Delta attacks, Fulani herdsmen attacks, natural disasters and so on, thus creating an urgent need for legal protection. This is the central focus of this paper. This paper is a desk-based research, it relied on primary and secondary data which were subjected to contextual analysis. The paper identified the causes of internally displacement in Nigeria. The paper further appraised the legal framework for the protection of the rights of internally displaced persons in Nigeria. The paper identified that there is no specific legislation in Nigeria for the protection of internally displaced persons and it is recommended that National Assembly needs to specifically and urgently legislate on this area. Also, there is the need for Constitutional amendment to adequately protect the rights and interests of internally displaced persons in Nigeria.