The Federal Government has disclosed that Nigeria is currently hosting over 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from countries within the Lake Chad Basin region, while millions of Nigerians remain internally displaced due to various humanitarian crises.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, made the disclosure on Monday in Abuja at the commemoration of the 2026 World Refugee Day with the theme, “Until Everyone is Safe.”
A statement by his OSGF’s Head, Information & Public Relations, Chris Ugwuegbulam, stated that Akume said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to the protection, welfare and empowerment of refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Nigeria currently hosts over 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from countries within the Lake Chad Basin region, while millions of Nigerians remain internally displaced due to various humanitarian crises.
“The Federal Government’s response is anchored on three key pillars: protection, livelihoods, and durable solutions, implemented through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons”, he was quoted as saying.
He explained that the government’s interventions were increasingly focused on integrating humanitarian assistance with long-term development strategies to help displaced persons rebuild their lives.
“The Federal Government is deliberately shifting from palliatives to pathways by linking humanitarian response to development opportunities.
“We are committed to ensuring that displaced persons not only survive but thrive through access to livelihoods, agribusiness opportunities, education, and social protection programmes,” he said.
He stressed that the growing challenges of climate-induced displacement, insecurity and protracted conflicts across the globe underscored the need for stronger international cooperation.
According to him, refugees and internally displaced persons should not be viewed merely as victims of circumstance but as people with enormous potential who deserve dignity, opportunities and support.
Akume further disclosed that efforts were underway to expand the National Social Register to capture more vulnerable persons, including displaced populations and host communities.
He said the move would ensure “data-driven, targeted, transparent and dignified humanitarian assistance” for those in need.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, commended the resilience and courage demonstrated by refugees around the world.
Doro reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international humanitarian principles and support for vulnerable populations in line with global best practices.
He called on governments, development partners, humanitarian agencies and host communities to strengthen efforts aimed at providing protection, durable solutions and opportunities for self-reliance for refugees.
“Refugees must be given due attention to alleviate their plight,” the minister said.
Earlier, the Federal Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of NCFRMI, Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, said solidarity with refugees and displaced persons must go beyond sympathy to practical commitments that protect their rights and dignity.
Ahmed said protection should include access to quality education, healthcare services, decent shelter, legal identity, social services and opportunities for meaningful participation in society.
He urged stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that would improve the living conditions and future prospects of refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons across the country.
Nigeria continues to grapple with displacement challenges caused by insurgency, banditry, communal conflicts and climate-related disasters, particularly in the North-East and other vulnerable regions.
The country also hosts thousands of refugees and asylum seekers from neighbouring countries affected by instability, making refugee protection and durable solutions a key humanitarian priority for the Federal Government and its international partners.
