Governance and Management of Conflict-Induced Displacement in Nigeria's Herding Communities

Studies on conflict-induced internal displacement in Nigeria have largely emphasized the protection and assistance mechanisms provided to internally displaced persons (IDPs), focusing on the roles of government institutions and international humanitarian agencies (IHAs). While these studies provide valuable insights into the adequacy or inadequacy of material support and direct interventions, they often overlook the underlying structural and institutional dynamics that shape these responses. This study addresses this gap by examining the less visible, or “remote,” factors influencing the management of IDPs arising from herders–farmers conflict in Nigeria. Adopting a qualitative and analytical approach, the study explores the complex interactions among different tiers of government—federal, state, and local—and how their varying interests, priorities, and power relations influence humanitarian action. It argues that the effectiveness of protection and assistance measures cannot be fully understood without situating them within the broader governance framework and political economy in which they operate. The study demonstrates that coordination challenges, institutional fragmentation, and competing political interests significantly affect the planning, delivery, and sustainability of humanitarian interventions. Findings reveal that while humanitarian actors provide essential material support, their operations are often shaped and constrained by government policies, bureaucratic structures, and intergovernmental relations. These dynamics influence resource allocation, access to affected populations, and the implementation of durable solutions such as resettlement, integration, or return. Consequently, the persistence of internal displacement is not solely a function of ongoing conflict or insufficient aid but is also linked to systemic governance issues within the humanitarian ecosystem. The study contributes to the literature by shifting the analytical focus from direct assistance to the broader institutional environment that governs humanitarian responses. It highlights the need for improved coordination, policy coherence, and alignment of interests across governance levels to enhance the effectiveness of displacement management. Ultimately, the study underscores that addressing internal displacement in Nigeria requires not only increased humanitarian support but also reforms in governance structures and intergovernmental collaboration.