The Federal Government has begun consultations to repatriate around 15,000 Nigerians who are currently stranded in Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and several other countries, according to officials from the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).
Tijani Ahmed, the commission’s federal commissioner, addressed the media in Abuja on Friday, highlighting the ongoing plans to ensure the safe and dignified return of these citizens.
He also noted that over six million people are displaced within Nigeria, while thousands of Nigerian refugees remain scattered across the globe.
Ahmed disclosed that in addition to the Nigerians seeking to come back, the country is hosting over 100,000 foreign refugees.
He emphasised that providing care and support for both groups remains a core responsibility of the commission.
Appreciating President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to displacement issues, Ahmed said the government continues to work tirelessly to bring Nigerians back home safely.
In another development, the NCFRMI revealed that Nigeria will host the first thematic conference under its leadership of the Rabat Process — a Euro-African framework focused on migration and development.
The event, scheduled for May 13–14, will welcome over 100 participants from 57 countries and focus on youth, innovation, and education in shaping migration’s future.
Ahmed described Nigeria’s current chairmanship as a unique opportunity to enhance migration policies and foster bilateral cooperation with other nations.
He stressed the need to educate the youth on legal migration routes and the dangers of irregular migration.
Calling for greater collaboration from all sectors, including the media, Ahmed urged stakeholders to support the commission’s mission in promoting better migration governance.