The Federal Government has disclosed plans to repatriate over 15,000 Nigerians stranded in Cameroon, Niger, Chad, and other countries, in a renewed effort to ensure safe and dignified returns.
Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner for the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), made the announcement during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday. He noted that the process is part of the government’s broader mandate to manage migration, displacement, and refugee support across Nigeria and beyond.
“We have 15,000 Nigerians that want to return to the country voluntarily,” Ahmed said. “We also have not less than 100,000 foreigners living in this country as refugees. All these are the responsibilities of the commission to give them support.”
The commissioner highlighted that Nigeria is currently home to approximately six million internally displaced persons (IDPs), underlining the magnitude of the country’s humanitarian challenges.
Ahmed expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the continuous support to the commission and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in tackling displacement and migration issues. He further revealed that Nigeria is set to host its first thematic meeting as chair of the Rabat Process — an influential Euro-African platform on migration and development.
The meeting, which will hold in Abuja from May 13 to 14, is themed “Youth, Innovation and Education: Driving the Future of Migration,” and will bring together over 100 delegates from 57 partner countries. It aims to foster bilateral discussions and improve migration governance.
Since assuming the one-year chairmanship of the Rabat Process in January 2025, Nigeria has sought to position itself as a leader in shaping responsible migration policies and practices.
While outlining current challenges, Ahmed emphasized the need to promote legal migration pathways to curb the risks associated with irregular migration.
“There is a need to educate migrants about the consequences of irregular migration, including negative outcomes,” he said. “Regular migration involves moving through legal channels, while irregular migration often involves dangerous and illegal methods.”
He warned that irregular migration could result in significant hardship, danger, and an inability for many migrants to return home.
Ahmed also called for stronger collaboration with stakeholders, including the media, to enhance public awareness, advocacy, and sustainable migration strategies.
The Federal Government’s migration agenda continues to focus on reintegration, education, innovation, and international cooperation to support migrants, refugees, and displaced populations.
