The Federal Government has commenced discussions to facilitate the safe and dignified return of at least 15,000 Nigerians currently stranded in countries such as Cameroon, Niger and Chad.
This was disclosed by the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, during a press briefing held Friday in Abuja.
Ahmed revealed that the commission is working to ensure voluntary repatriation of affected citizens, many of whom have expressed a desire to return home.
He also noted that Nigeria hosts no fewer than 100,000 refugees from other nations, stressing the dual responsibility of catering to both returnees and refugees within Nigeria’s borders.
“We have 15,000 Nigerians who want to return to the country voluntarily and we also have not less than 100,000 foreigners living in this country as refugees,” he said.
According to Ahmed, over six million people are currently displaced within Nigeria, making the commission’s task even more critical.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the continued support extended to the commission and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to the safe return and reintegration of displaced persons.
In a related development, Ahmed announced that Nigeria would be hosting its first thematic meeting under the Rabat Process, an international dialogue on migration and development.
The event, scheduled to hold on May 13 and 14, will draw over 100 delegates from 57 partner countries.
The meeting, themed “Youth, Innovation and Education: Driving the Future of Migration,” is expected to open doors for bilateral migration discussions and improve governance on migration-related issues.
“This platform provides Nigeria with opportunities for knowledge transfer and better migration management,” Ahmed stated.
He also highlighted the challenges confronting migration governance in the country, including the rising cases of irregular migration, and called for increased advocacy and stakeholder collaboration.
“There is a need to educate migrants about the consequences of irregular migration. Our focus should be on encouraging legal pathways to reduce dangerous and illegal migration routes,” he warned.
Ahmed urged the media, civil society groups and international partners to support the commission’s efforts in providing accurate information and support services to prospective migrants.
The NCFRMI’s initiative comes amid rising global displacement trends, with many Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad under risky and illegal circumstances.
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