Tinubu Signs Kampala Convention Act to Protect IDPs

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), widely known as the Kampala Convention, in a move aimed at strengthening humanitarian protection and safeguarding the rights and dignity of displaced citizens across Nigeria.

The new legislation, titled “Act to Give Effect to the Provisions of the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria; and for Related Matters,” received presidential assent in February 2026.

The bill was sponsored in the House of Representatives by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, alongside six other lawmakers including Jonathan Gbefwi, Khadijat Ibrahim, Blessing Onuh, Nasiru Shehu, Felix Nwaeke and Steve Fatoba.

The legislation had earlier been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly of Nigeria before it was transmitted to the President for assent.

The Act seeks to domesticate and enforce in Nigeria the provisions of the African Union convention on internally displaced persons, providing a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to address the growing challenges faced by millions displaced by conflict, disasters, and other crises within the country.

Among its core objectives is the prevention and mitigation of the root causes of internal displacement, while also ensuring protection, assistance and durable solutions for IDPs in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant international agreements to which the country is a signatory.

The law also outlines the responsibilities of government institutions, humanitarian actors and non-state stakeholders in coordinating responses to internal displacement, while promoting gender-sensitive approaches and collaboration among relevant agencies.

Nigeria first joined other African countries in ratifying the Kampala Convention in 2009 when 32 member states of the African Union endorsed the treaty to provide a continental framework for preventing displacement and protecting displaced populations.

The domestication of the convention is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s humanitarian response system, particularly in addressing challenges faced in many IDP camps, including overcrowding, inadequate resources, and limited access to healthcare and education.

Reacting to the development, Deputy Speaker Kalu commended President Tinubu for signing the bill into law, describing the move as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to addressing the plight of displaced persons in the country.

He said the legislation gives a “human face” to the suffering of internally displaced citizens and called on Nigerians and the international community to support government efforts to tackle the humanitarian crisis.

According to him, collaboration among government agencies, humanitarian organizations and global partners will be essential in addressing the root causes of displacement and ensuring lasting solutions for affected communities across Nigeria.