Nigeria says its doors remain open to persons forcefully displaced as a result of conflict activities or armed groups and persecution, as stakeholders commemorate the World Refugee Day,
The Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijjani Ahmed stated this at a Press Conference in Abuja, as part of activities marking the day.
Ahmed said regardless of the fact that some countries have deployed stringent measures to deter asylum seekers from seeking safe haven in their territories, Nigeria is mindful of the principle of non-refoulement.
He said; “Testimonies gotten from a cross section of refugees population as well as the commendation from the global refugee agency- the UNHCR in Geneva, Nigeria provides the enabling environment for refugee management.
“The Commission has been instrumental in the reception and registration of asylum seekers from Cameroon living in Adamawa, Cross River, Benue, Taraba, Akwa Ibom, as well as Nigeriens living in Borno and Yobe States.”
He explained that conflicts and persecution continue to threaten human security, with displacement as a natural consequence.
He said; “The tragic images coming from countries such as Sudan, Syria, Cameroon, the Republic of Niger, Turkey, Eastern DRC, the Middle East, etc, depict global volatility and have the potential to add to the backlog of humanitarian demands on us as a country.”
The Federal Commissioner also disclosed that the Commission in collaboration with the Borno State Government and UNHCR has repatriated thousands of these individuals who have expressed willingness to return home.
He said; “About 3,000 Nigerian Refugees were voluntarily repatriated back to Nigeria in Borno State in January, 2026. Efforts are in place to sign a Tripartite Agreement for the voluntary return of Nigerian Refugees in Niger Republic.”
Tijjani further acknowledged the commitment of the Nigerian Government to ensure that activities of Refugee Management in Nigeria are not hindered by emerging economic realities.
He, therefore, urged well-meaning individuals, organisations, humanitarian partners to continue to show empathy to the displaced population by providing the needed support noting that the UNHCR is witnessing shrinking resources to finance its operations.
Speaking, the UNHCR Deputy Representative, Nigeria, Ms. Bernadette Muteshi said; “the theme for the 2026 World Refugee Day comes at a time when the right to seek asylum is under growing pressure in many parts of the world.”
According to her, the Commission currently, has 42 million registered refugees, globally, which serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of the 1951 Refugee Convention, adopted 75 years ago.
Muteshi said; “Anyone forced to flee war, conflict or persecution has a right to find safety and protection. That promise was universal and designed to endure. It was built for our grandparents, for us and for generations to come.
“Safety should not be a privilege. No one is truly safe until the most vulnerable amongst us are safe. And until everyone is safe, we need to challenge the stereotypes about refugees and emphasize that the right to seek safety is a lifeline that goes beyond merely escaping war or violence.”
To achieve these, she noted, expanding “opportunities for voluntary return, resettlement and access to jobs, healthcare, education and support for local integration where feasible, in order to enable refugees to move beyond survival and rebuild their lives in dignity.
“No one chooses to leave everything they love behind.”
The UNHCR called on stakeholders around the world to join in raising their voices and keep the promise of safety for everyone alive until everyone is safe.
