ActionAid, partners advocate for sustainable reintegration strategies for trauma

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has advocated for sustainable reintegration strategies that address psychosocial support, trauma-informed approaches, case management and reintegration programming.

The Deputy Country Director and Director of Programmes, AAN, Suwaiba Dankabo, made the call during a five-day capacity-building training on these issues for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Monday in Abuja.

Dankabo stressed the importance of strengthening the capacity of CSOs in psychosocial support, trauma-informed programming and case management.

She noted that the knowledge and skills gained from the training would enhance their ability to provide services that are more responsive, holistic, compassionate and impactful.

She said sustainable reintegration goes beyond providing economic opportunities, noting that individuals and communities affected by displacement, migration and crises often carry experiences of loss, uncertainty, disrupted relationships and trauma.

“These interventions are essential to ensuring that people receive the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity,” she said.

Dankabo commended CSOnetMADE for its collaboration in organising the training and acknowledged GIZ for its invaluable donor support and continued trust in AAN to implement the programme.

She also recognised the leadership and guidance of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) in advancing protection and reintegration efforts across Nigeria.

According to her, the participation of stakeholders demonstrated a shared commitment to improving protection, care and reintegration support for vulnerable populations.

Also speaking, the Director of Migrant Affairs, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Amb. Catherine Udidah, commended ActionAid for the initiative and its focus on strengthening the capacity of CSOs to provide appropriate psychosocial support to individuals and communities affected by displacement, crises and migration.

Udidah noted that, within the return, recovery and reintegration (RRR) framework, reintegration should not be understood simply as physical return.

She said sustainable reintegration requires attention to the psychological, social and community dimensions of people’s lives.

According to her, returnees may experience trauma, grief, stigma, anxiety, loss and disrupted relationships, all of which can affect their successful reintegration.

She highlighted the critical role of CSOs, particularly because of their close engagement with communities, in identifying vulnerabilities, providing appropriate first-line support, strengthening social networks and facilitating referrals to specialised services.

Udidah encouraged participants to actively engage throughout the five-day training by sharing practical experiences, asking questions and reflecting on how the knowledge gained could be applied within their organisations and communities.

She further emphasised that psychosocial support should remain person-centred, culturally appropriate and grounded in dignity, confidentiality and the principle of doing no harm, while ensuring that individuals requiring specialised assistance are appropriately referred.