By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Government on Friday reiterated its commitment toward protecting and assisting all the 138,154 refugees in the country to rebuild their lives.

Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), expressed the commitment at the 2025 World Refugee Day in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Refugee Day is celebrated on June 20 of every year to raise awareness on refugees’ situations around the world.

NAN also reports the theme for this year’s Day is: “Solidarity with Refugees: A call to Action for Inclusion”.

Ahmed noted that the figures represented registered refugees and asylum seekers living in 33 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He explained that the forcibly displaced persons originated from 48 countries, with six nationalities – Cameroon, Niger, Syria, Central African Republic and Sudan making up 86 per cent.

Out of the 138,154 refugees and asylum seekers in Nigeria, he said that there were 32,746 awaiting registration.

“We have 16,215 returnees and 1,396 spontaneous returnees, while the IDPs we have in camps are 3,576,100,” he said.

Ahmed further stated that the IDPs, when added those living outside the camps, that is, the ones living within host communities, would be no fewer than 6.2 million, with many of them innocent women and children.

“So, as we celebrate the 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 him, the objective of the commemoration of World Refugee Day is to celebrate the resilience of refugees and to reiterate the need for countries to support millions of families all over the world who have lost their homes because of violence or war.

“It is a day to recognise the challenges and hardship that refugees face but honour their courage and resilience in the face of overwhelming obstacles and above all, we celebrate their many valuable contributions to nation building.

“As the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, together with our partners, we are proud to have played a crucial role in protecting and assisting refugees in Nigeria,” he added.

Ahmed said that over the years, the commission had worked tirelessly to ensure that refugees received the support they needed to rebuild their lives.

He listed some notable achievements of the commission to include provision of protection and assistance to thousands of refugees, ensuring their safety and dignity and voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees from the neighbouring countries of Cameroon and Chad.

Meanwhile, Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has called for collective efforts among countries toward protecting displaced persons in the society.

Represented by Bernadette Muteshi, Grandi stressed the need for supporting the host countries and communities by sharing the responsibility of protecting refugees.

“We must stand with refugees to keep alive their hopes of a better future.

“This World Refugee Day and every day, governments, institutions, companies and individuals can prove that by helping those caught up in senseless conflicts, we move towards greater stability, humanity and justice for us all.

“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,” he said.

On his part, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described the World Refugee Day as a call to action, saying that refugees were not just statistics but fathers, mothers and children whose lives were interrupted.

Represented by the Director of Humanitarian in the ministry, Hajia Jummai Katagun, Yilwatda reaffirmed government’s commitment to the Global Compact on Refugees to ensure, not just protection but opportunity, safety and belonging.

“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.

“As the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, our vision is to build a nation where no displaced person is left behind, where every refugee can rise, rebuild and thrive,” the minister said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

By Ibrahim Bello

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kebbi says the challenges arising from unaddressed displacements, if not tackled, could lead to societal concerns in the country.

The Director of the agency in the state, Malam Nasir Karofi, made the statement while briefing newsmen on commemoration of 2025 World Refugee Day in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.

“The challenges arising from unaddressed displacement, if not gently but carefully tackled, could lead to some significant societal concerns.

“We risk seeing: A potential increase in the number of out-of-school children: When families are displaced and their routines are disrupted without proper support for education, children can easily miss out on learning opportunities.

“A rise in instances of street begging: Difficult circumstances, a lack of regular income, and reduced community support can, unfortunately, push vulnerable individuals into desperate situations.

“A heightened risk for recruitment by criminal elements: Young people who feel dislocated, without hope or direction, could sadly become more susceptible to being influenced by those involved in banditry or acting as informants, potentially perpetuating cycles of insecurity,” he said.

According to Karofi, the World Refugee Day is a gentle but firm reminder for the state and nation to understand the realities of displacement, even when they are not visibly organised in large camps.

He lamented that the unseen struggles of the displaced brothers and sisters gently challenged the shared values of compassion and national unity, saying that their resilience was truly inspiring.

“Therefore, on behalf of the National Orientation Agency, Kebbi State Directorate, I make an earnest appeal to all citizens, government tiers, and partners.

“Let us embrace our shared civic duties and commit to systematically identifying, supporting, and finding lasting solutions for displaced persons,” Karofi said.

He enjoined the state government, relevant agencies and community leaders to explore a comprehensive process to identify, register, and officially acknowledge all displaced persons within the state.

“This is whether they reside in informal settings or with host families. Establishing formal, efficiently run IDP centres, strategically beneficial, is not a negative step but a responsible and compassionate approach to managing internal displacement, helping ensure accountability and targeted assistance,” he urged.

The director commended Gov. Nasir Idris for his immediate visits and provision of support to communities affected by banditry incidents in the state.

On his part, the Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment and Orientation, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar-Jombali, assured NOA that the state government would work closely with the relevant agencies to address some of the challenges faced by the IDPs in the state.

“Our government is always ready and committed to protecting its people and promoting the welfare of the people wherever they live in the state.

“Gov. Nasir Idris has been making efforts both locally and nationally to ensure security is strengthened and people go back to their places and farms,” he said.

Edited by Muhammad Lawal