In a significant move for human rights and humanitarian governance, the Yobe State Government has formally pledged to domesticate the African Union’s Kampala Convention, a landmark treaty for the protection and assistance of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). This commitment signals a proactive approach to addressing one of Nigeria’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.
By Nabilu Balarabe
Damaturu, Jan. 2, 2026
Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, the Yobe State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, announced the state’s readiness during a courtesy visit from development partners led by Dr. Mohammed Jalo, Director of Rescue at the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Understanding the Kampala Convention
The African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa, known as the Kampala Convention, is the world’s first and only continent-wide legally binding instrument for IDPs. Nigeria signed the treaty in 2009 and ratified it in 2012, making a national commitment to its principles. In July 2025, a critical step was achieved when both chambers of Nigeria’s National Assembly passed the Kampala Convention Bill, which now awaits presidential assent. This domestication at the federal level is a prerequisite for states like Yobe to enact corresponding laws, creating a cohesive legal framework from Abuja to the local government areas.
Why Yobe’s Commitment Matters
Yobe State, located in Nigeria’s northeast, has been profoundly affected by over a decade of conflict and instability, leading to significant internal displacement. Commissioner Bego highlighted that the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni has already demonstrated commitment by domesticating the National Policy on IDPs and developing an Action Plan on Durable Solutions. Domesticating the Kampala Convention is the logical next step—it transforms policy aspirations into enforceable legal obligations. This positions Yobe not just as a responder to crises, but as a leader in establishing durable solutions focused on return, local integration, or resettlement, in line with international best practices.
The Mechanics of Domestication and Advocacy
As explained by lead consultant Lukman Mohammed of Yobe State University, Nigeria operates a dualist legal system. This means international treaties like the Kampala Convention do not automatically become national law; they must be explicitly enacted by the legislature. The ongoing advocacy, involving SEMA, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), UNHCR, UN-Habitat, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), targets key ministries to build the necessary political and institutional will. Dr. Jalo noted that over 30 AU member states have ratified the convention, underscoring a continental shift towards recognizing displacement as not just a humanitarian issue, but a legal and human rights imperative.
The Tangible Impact for IDPs
Once domesticated, the convention provides a powerful legal tool. It obligates the state to:
• Prevent arbitrary displacement.
• Protect IDPs during displacement, ensuring their safety, dignity, and rights to shelter, food, and healthcare.
• Provide assistance without discrimination.
• Facilitate durable solutions, ensuring displacement is not prolonged indefinitely.
For IDPs in Yobe, this could mean stronger legal recourse against rights violations, more structured support during displacement, and clearer pathways to rebuilding their lives, whether by returning home or integrating into new communities.
Yobe’s pledge is therefore more than a procedural step; it is a commitment to anchor the recovery and resilience of its displaced citizens in the solid foundation of law, setting a benchmark for other Nigerian states facing similar challenges.
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
