The Federal Government has disclosed that Nigeria is currently providing refuge to more than 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers, while millions of citizens remain displaced internally due to insecurity, conflict, and climate-related challenges.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, disclosed during the commemoration of the 2026 World Refugee Day in Abuja, themed “Until Everyone is Safe.”
Akume said the Tinubu administration remains committed to improving the welfare and protection of refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country.
“Nigeria currently hosts over 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mostly from countries within the Lake Chad Basin, while millions of Nigerians have been displaced by different humanitarian crises,” he stated.
According to him, the Federal Government’s response is built around three major pillars: protection, livelihood support, and durable solutions, implemented through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
He explained that government interventions are gradually moving beyond emergency relief efforts to long-term strategies that enable displaced persons to rebuild their lives and become self-reliant.
“We are deliberately transitioning from short-term assistance to sustainable opportunities by linking humanitarian interventions with development programmes. Our goal is to ensure displaced persons not only survive but have access to livelihoods, education, agribusiness opportunities, and social protection initiatives,” Akume said.
The SGF also highlighted the growing impact of climate change, insecurity, and prolonged conflicts on displacement across the world, stressing the need for stronger collaboration among nations and humanitarian actors.
“Refugees and displaced persons should not be seen merely as victims. They are individuals with talents, aspirations, and immense potential who deserve dignity, support, and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society,” he added.
Akume further revealed that the Federal Government is working to expand the National Social Register to accommodate more vulnerable populations, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities.
“This initiative will enhance data-driven and transparent humanitarian assistance while ensuring support reaches those who genuinely need it in a dignified manner,” he said.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, praised the resilience demonstrated by refugees despite the challenges they face.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global humanitarian principles and called for stronger partnerships among governments, development agencies, and host communities.
“Refugees deserve greater attention and support. Collective action is required to provide protection, lasting solutions, and opportunities that will enable them to rebuild their lives,” Doro said.
Earlier, the Federal Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NCFRMI, Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, urged stakeholders to move beyond expressions of sympathy and take practical steps toward safeguarding the rights and welfare of displaced persons.
“Protection must go beyond words. It should include access to quality healthcare, education, shelter, legal identity, social services, and opportunities for active participation in society,” Ahmed stated.
He called for sustained support from government agencies, development partners, and humanitarian organisations to improve the living conditions and future prospects of refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons in Nigeria.
Nigeria continues to face significant displacement challenges arising from insurgency, banditry, communal clashes, and climate-related disasters, particularly in the North-East and other vulnerable regions.
The country also hosts thousands of refugees from neighbouring nations affected by instability, making refugee protection and long-term solutions a critical national priority.
