The Federal Government has disclosed ongoing plans to facilitate the safe and dignified return of 15,000 Nigerians stranded in countries like Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.
This was revealed during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja by Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).
Ahmed stated that the commission is currently managing the welfare of around six million displaced individuals within Nigeria, alongside thousands of Nigerian refugees abroad. According to him, over 100,000 foreigners are also living in Nigeria as refugees, all under the commission’s care and oversight.
While expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the support extended to the commission and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Ahmed reiterated the government’s commitment to the safe return of all displaced Nigerians.
He also announced that Nigeria will host its first thematic meeting as chair of the Rabat Process, a Euro-African dialogue on migration and development, on May 13 and 14. The event will welcome more than 100 delegates from 57 partner nations and focus on the theme: “Youth, Innovation and Education: Driving the Future of Migration.”
Ahmed noted that Nigeria’s leadership role in the Rabat Process, although lasting only a year, provides valuable avenues for bilateral engagement, policy collaboration, and knowledge exchange on migration management.
He highlighted the ongoing challenges in managing migration, stressing the urgent need for advocacy aimed at educating youth on legal migration options. He emphasized that irregular migration often results in perilous conditions and limited chances for return.
Ahmed called on stakeholders, including the media to collaborate with the commission in promoting legal migration routes and enhancing migration governance nationwide.
What you should know
Alhaji Tijani Ahmed is leading national efforts to repatriate stranded Nigerians and improve migration governance through international cooperation.
Under his watch, Nigeria is using its chairmanship of the Rabat Process to promote dialogue and policy reforms on safe migration.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM VERILY NEWS
