The Nigerian government has unveiled plans to cultivate a 500-hectare farm dedicated to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State as part of a larger initiative to support displaced populations across Nigeria.
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Poverty Reduction, and Disaster Management, announced the initiative on Friday during the launch of the State Durable Solutions Action Plan for IDPs in Makurdi.
Under the scheme, the National Aggression Land Development Agency (NALDA) will oversee the cultivation of 10,000 hectares of farmland nationwide for IDPs, with Benue allocated 500 hectares.
Yilwatda stated that the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and IDPs would provide seeds and other farm inputs to the beneficiaries.
Approximately 1,000 IDP households will participate in the programme, with two households allocated per hectare.
The minister praised the Benue State Government, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, for its proactive approach to supporting displaced persons.
Benue is the first state to implement durable, agriculture-driven solutions for IDPs, including the creation of over 200 cooperatives and the donation and clearing of 1,000 hectares of land in six locations.
The durable solutions plan aims to offer a foundation for rebuilding lives, with IDPs receiving both agricultural inputs and training to establish self-sufficiency.
