The Technical Working Group on the repatriation of Nigerian Refugees in Cameroon has presented a Draft Tripartite Agreement for the voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees in Niger Republic and Chad.
The draft was presented to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, in Abuja, Nigeria.
Receiving the draft, the Minister noted that a total of Three Hundred and Twenty-Two Thousand Nigerian refugees were currently living in neighboring countries.
“With the large number of refugees in Niger, Chad and Cameroon, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially initiated talks with the Governments of Chad and Niger to sign tripartite agreements similar to the one we have with the Republic of Cameroon. I am happy to inform you that we already have a draft copy of the Tripartite Agreement for Voluntary Repatriation of Nigerian Refugees in Niger and Chad Republics”. She announced
The Minister who was hitherto the Chairperson of the TWG officially handed over the position to the new Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim.
Responding, Suleiman-Ibrahim thanked the Minister for the confidence reposed in her while seeking the cooperation of all partners in efforts to bring back the refugees in safety and dignity.
“Part of the governance infrastructure for carrying out this exercises includes the Borno State Government and some selected Federal Government MDAs as well as the UNHCR, our invaluable Technical Partner, all of who have crucial roles to play. It goes without saying that we need to work in synergy to ensure a successful voluntary repatriation in line with the Presidential directive”. Suleiman-Ibrahim noted
Suleiman-Ibrahim further urged members of the TWG to contribute meaningfully to discussions on updates to carry out their assignment.
The draft, after its ratification will kickstart preparations for the repatriation of refugees from the Republic of Niger and Chad.
The TWG is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the safe return of Nigerian Refugees.
Ime N
