United Nations, strategic partners convene private sector conference
The United Nations in Nigeria and several strategic partners have convened a private sector conference aimed advancing innovative, market-based solutions for Nigeria’s Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and their communities across Nigeria.
Penpushing reports that the two-day event held on 12 and13 February 2026, Lagos came to an end and brought together leaders from government, the private sector, development finance institutions, humanitarian and development agencies and civil society.
The conference was built on the progress and recommendations of the 2024 Africa Roundtable on Private Sector Solutions to Internal Displacement, which united partners from 12 countries to explore sustainable and scalable approaches beyond traditional aid models.
Penpushing further reports that this year’s conference, deepened that momentum by showcasing concrete pathways through which Nigeria’s private sector could contribute meaningfully to economic recovery, job creation and resilience in fragile and conflict affected areas.
The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, in his keynote address, emphasised that Nigeria’s economic future depended on ensuring that no region and no community would be left behind, adding that investing in displaced communities is an investment in our unity, our stability and our long-term prosperity.
Penpushing also reports that Shettima, represented by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Government to work with all stakeholders to transform displacement from a condition of vulnerability into an opportunity for inclusion, productivity and renewed national cohesion.
“I encourage the private sector to take practical and measurable steps: Expand investment into high potential regions affected by displacement. Integrate displaced persons and host communities into formal and informal value chains’, he said.
‘Support skills development, apprenticeships and enterprise growth. Leverage technology and finance to unlock productivity and improve access to markets. These actions would not only generate returns but also strengthen the social and economic fabric of the nation’, Shettima added.
‘Government will continue to provide policy clarity, regulatory support and security assurance. Where markets hesitate, we are prepared to work with partners to do risk investment through structured incentives, blended finance mechanisms and well-designed public private partnerships;”
“Our objective is clear. To create conditions where private capital can flow responsibly into underserved but high potential areas, with outcomes that are measurable, scalable and sustainable.”
Penpushing reports that the United Nations (UN) Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, stressed that the world body and governments alone could not manage the scale of displacement in Nigeria.
“Across Nigeria, more than 3.7 million people live in internal displacement. Another 2.6 million Nigerians have returned home but still struggle to rebuild. Over 2.5 million displaced people live within host communities. This is not just a national challenge. It is part of a global crisis. It is a test of our shared humanity’, explained.
Penpushing further reports that Fall explained that sustainable solutions in Nigeria require long‑term investments, not short‑term philanthropy, urging collaboration through concessional financing, de‑risking mechanisms and innovative financing models that can support Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) reintegration and resilience.
“The United Nations stands with Nigeria because solutions for internally displaced persons are possible. Together with the Government and development partners, we work to ensure that women, youth and persons with disabilities are not left behind’, he stated
Penpushing also reports that in panel discussions it was underscored how Nigeria’s dynamic private sector could unlock the economic potential of displaced populations by working with what already existed to create markets, revitalize local economies and expanding value chains, which would enable Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to build sustainable livelihoods.
The Head of Strategic Partnerships, Tropical General Investments, (TGI), Habiba Suleiman, a co-sponsor of the event and a major company working in areas with high numbers of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) said most effective models are those that are hyper-local and they have succeeded by deliberately weaving in existing social and economic realities, not bypassing them
“Our most effective models are those that are hyper-local and they have succeeded by deliberately weaving in existing social and economic realities, not bypassing them’, he added
Penpushing reports that the conference’s high-level discussions led to practical, market driven solutions around ways to strengthen local value chains and gaps in supply chains being pinpointed.
The stakeholders highlighted on innovative initiatives already being implemented in Nigeria’s displacement context, helping them to spot models that can be scaled and adapted across different states and sectors.
Penpushing further reports that government agencies, private sector partners, civil society organizations and development actors also gave commitments to invest in sustainable and inclusive private sector led solutions.
The conference equally highlighted actionable mechanisms and funding instruments that can drive accelerated implementation across priority sectors, from blended finance models and impact investment tools to enterprise incubation programs tailored for IDP led businesses.
Penpushing also reports that a major milestone of the conference was the launch of a new multi stakeholder coordination mechanism, and this platform will sustain engagement beyond the event, foster partnerships, monitor progress and promote continuous alignment among key actors working to improve outcomes for displaced communities.
The participants reaffirmed that private sector engagement is central to shaping a more peaceful, stable and prosperous Nigeria: one where displaced individuals and host communities can thrive through inclusive economic opportunities.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email [email protected]
