The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and supporting the 138,154 refugees currently residing in Nigeria as part of efforts to help them rebuild their lives.
This assurance was given by Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), during the 2025 World Refugee Day commemoration held in Abuja.
StarReporters reports that World Refugee Day is marked annually on 20 June to raise global awareness about the plight of refugees. The theme for this year is “Solidarity with Refugees: A Call to Action for Inclusion.”
Ahmed stated that the registered refugees and asylum seekers are spread across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory, originating from 48 countries. He noted that six nationalities — Cameroon, Niger, Syria, Central African Republic, and Sudan — account for 86 per cent of this population.
Out of the total, 32,746 are awaiting registration, while 16,215 are recognised returnees and 1,396 are spontaneous returnees. He also revealed that 3.58 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) are currently housed in camps, with total IDP numbers rising to more than 6.2 million when those living in host communities are included.
“As we celebrate World Refugee Day, we recognise the contributions refugees have made to our communities. It is an invitation to honour refugees’ voices, strengthen community ties and amplify the need for inclusion in national systems such as social protection and local development frameworks,” he said.
According to Ahmed, the objective of the commemoration is to honour the resilience and strength of refugees while highlighting the global need to support those displaced by violence and war.
“It is a day to recognise the challenges and hardship that refugees face, but to also celebrate their courage, resilience and many valuable contributions to nation-building,” he added.
He listed the commission’s key achievements, including providing protection and assistance to thousands of refugees, safeguarding their dignity, and facilitating the voluntary return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon and Chad.
Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in a message delivered by Bernadette Muteshi, called for unified global action in protecting refugees and supporting host nations.
“We must stand with refugees to keep alive their hopes of a better future. Governments, institutions, companies and individuals can all contribute by helping those caught in senseless conflicts,” he said.
“If we do so, I can promise you that refugees will bring all their courage, spirit and ingenuity to the task of creating a better and brighter tomorrow.”
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, described World Refugee Day as a call to action. Represented by Hajia Jummai Katagun, Director of Humanitarian in the ministry, Yilwatda said refugees must not be viewed merely as statistics.
“They are our neighbours, and we must let no borders define our humanity. As crises grow more complex, from violent conflicts to climate displacement, so too must our response grow more courageous,” he said.
“Our vision is to build a nation where no displaced person is left behind, where every refugee can rise, rebuild and thrive.”
(NAN)