THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN RESETTLEMENT OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSON IN GWOZA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the role of government in the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State. The displacement of people from their ancestral homes due to the Boko Haram insurgency has forced many into camps where they rely on government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for survival. A simple descriptive survey design was employed, targeting a population of 897 IDPs, from which a sample of 110 respondents, comprising 55 men and 55 women aged 18 years and above was randomly selected. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed with descriptive statistics of simple percentages and frequency tables. Findings revealed that while agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) provide food, water, sanitation, and healthcare, the supply of drugs and education remains insufficient, leaving some IDPs vulnerable to poverty and forced begging. The study concluded that although government and NGOs have made notable efforts, gaps in service provision, corruption, and inadequate resettlement strategies undermine effectiveness. It recommended expanding access to healthcare, education, vocational training, and security, alongside long-term resettlement plans tailored to the welfare of IDPs in Gwoza and beyond.