Background of the Study
Refugees are among the most vulnerable populations, often displaced due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. Constitutional law plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of refugees, ensuring access to shelter, healthcare, education, and legal protection (Ibrahim & Oladimeji, 2024). Nigeria is a signatory to international treaties, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and the African Union Convention on Refugees, which obligate the government to provide adequate refugee protection (Okonkwo & Aliyu, 2023). However, the implementation of refugee rights remains a challenge due to legal ambiguities, inadequate funding, and institutional weaknesses (Bello & Hassan, 2024).
Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, has experienced a surge in refugee populations due to the Boko Haram insurgency, resulting in the displacement of thousands of people (Mustapha & Usman, 2023). Refugee camps and internally displaced persons (IDP) settlements face poor living conditions, food shortages, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to education (Obi & Mohammed, 2024). The effectiveness of constitutional and legal frameworks in addressing these issues remains a subject of concern. This study examines the impact of constitutional law on refugee welfare in Maiduguri, assessing its effectiveness, limitations, and potential reforms.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite constitutional provisions and international commitments, refugee welfare remains a major humanitarian challenge in Nigeria, particularly in conflict-affected areas like Maiduguri (Olawale & Hassan, 2024). The rights of refugees are often neglected due to weak enforcement of legal protections, inadequate government support, and poor coordination among humanitarian agencies (Adebayo & Yusuf, 2024). Many refugees in Maiduguri experience poor healthcare, lack of education, food insecurity, and legal discrimination, raising concerns about the effectiveness of constitutional and policy frameworks (Yakubu & Ibrahim, 2023). This study evaluates the role of constitutional law in addressing refugee welfare and ensuring compliance with international human rights obligations.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
To analyze the role of constitutional law in protecting the welfare of refugees in Maiduguri.
To examine key challenges affecting the implementation of refugee rights.
To propose legal and policy recommendations for improving refugee welfare in the study area.
1.4 Research Questions
How does constitutional law influence refugee welfare policies in Maiduguri?
What are the main challenges affecting refugee welfare in the study area?
What legal and institutional reforms can enhance refugee protection and support?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
H₀: Constitutional law does not significantly impact refugee welfare in Maiduguri.
H₁: Weak enforcement of refugee protection laws contributes to poor living conditions for refugees.
H₂: Strengthening constitutional and policy frameworks improves refugee welfare and integration.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is relevant to government agencies, humanitarian organizations, legal scholars, and policymakers, providing insights into the legal and institutional challenges of refugee welfare. The findings will contribute to policy reforms aimed at improving refugee rights, access to services, and humanitarian interventions in Maiduguri and other conflict-affected areas.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on Maiduguri Metropolitan LGA, Borno State, examining constitutional provisions and their impact on refugee welfare. Limitations may include difficulty accessing refugee settlement data and government reports.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Refugee: A person forced to flee their country due to conflict, persecution, or disaster.
Internally Displaced Person (IDP): An individual displaced within their country due to conflict or natural disasters.
Refugee Protection: Legal and humanitarian measures ensuring the rights and well-being of refugees.
Background of the Study
Online learning has rapidly become a cornerstone of modern education, yet its benefits are not uni...
Background of the Study
Neuropsychological assessments are essential tools for evaluating language processing and cognitive functioning....
Chapter One: Introduction
Background of the study
Quality‑driven product promotion emphasizes the superior attributes of products and is cri...
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to examine the management of workforce diversity in public organizations in Nigeria....
Background of the Study
Nigerian news commentary is characterized by diverse pragmatic strategies that vary significantly...
Background of the Study
Wireless networks have become an integral part of modern academic institutions,...
Background of the Study
The Niger Delta region is one of Nigeria’s most important agricultural zones, with farming activities such...
Background of the Study
Yoruba poetry in Abeokuta is a vibrant medium for expressing cultural identity, social commentary,...
Background of the Study
As universities increasingly integrate digital tools for teaching, learning, and administrative tasks, the demand fo...