Gladness Gideon
The Nigerian federal government has confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding the safe and dignified return of 15,000 Nigerians currently stranded in countries such as Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.
Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), provided this update during a media briefing on Friday in Abuja.
According to Ahmed, the government is actively addressing the needs of displaced persons, both within Nigeria and abroad. He revealed that there are currently around six million displaced persons in Nigeria, with thousands of refugees seeking asylum in other parts of the world.
In addition, the government is working to assist nearly 100,000 foreign refugees residing within Nigeria’s borders.
“We have 15,000 Nigerians that wish to return to the country voluntarily, and we are committed to facilitating their safe return,” Ahmed stated.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support to the commission and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, which is pivotal in managing the country’s refugee and migration affairs.
Further emphasizing Nigeria’s leadership in global migration governance, Ahmed announced that Nigeria would be hosting the inaugural thematic meeting under its chairmanship of the Rabat Process. This significant event, scheduled for May 13 and 14, will gather over 100 delegates from 57 partner countries.
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The meeting, themed “Youth, Innovation, and Education: Driving the Future of Migration,” will focus on fostering bilateral discussions and enhancing migration management practices.
“Nigeria’s leadership of the Rabat Process is a critical opportunity for fostering knowledge transfer and improving migration governance, despite our one-year term,” Ahmed added.
During the briefing, Ahmed also addressed the growing challenges in managing migration, particularly the importance of advocating for legal migration pathways. He stressed the need for better education about the risks of irregular migration, which often involves dangerous and illegal routes. These irregular methods frequently result in hardship and prevent migrants from returning home.
“There is an urgent need to inform younger generations about the consequences of irregular migration and to advocate for legal pathways that ensure the safety and dignity of migrants,” Ahmed remarked.
The NCFRMI commissioner also called for enhanced coordination and support from various stakeholders, including the media, to further strengthen migration governance and ensure the well-being of migrants both in Nigeria and abroad.