The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the protection, welfare and empowerment of refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons (IDPs), in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
According to an official signed statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Mr Chris Ugwuegbulam, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, made the pledge during the commemoration of World Refugee Day 2026 held in Abuja on June 22, under the theme, “Until Everyone Is Safe.”
Senator Akume highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to integrating humanitarian assistance with long-term development strategies aimed at helping displaced persons rebuild their lives and achieve self-reliance.
He said government interventions are increasingly focused on creating sustainable opportunities through livelihoods, agribusiness, education and social protection programmes.
“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 stated.
The SGF disclosed that Nigeria currently hosts more than 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 challenges.
He explained that the 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 (NCFRMI).
Senator Akume noted that growing challenges such as climate-induced displacement, insecurity and protracted conflicts across the world have underscored the importance of stronger international cooperation and continued adherence to global refugee protection frameworks.
He stressed that refugees and internally displaced persons should not be viewed merely as victims of circumstance but as individuals with immense potential who deserve dignity, opportunities and support.
The SGF also revealed that efforts are underway to expand the National Social Register to include more vulnerable persons, particularly displaced populations and host communities, in order to ensure targeted, transparent and data-driven humanitarian assistance.
In his keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, commended the resilience and courage demonstrated by refugees worldwide and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to upholding international humanitarian principles.
He called on governments, development partners, humanitarian agencies and host communities to strengthen collaboration in providing protection, durable solutions and opportunities for self-reliance for displaced populations.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Federal Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Hon. Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, emphasized that solidarity with refugees and displaced persons must go beyond expressions of sympathy to practical actions that protect their rights and dignity.
He noted that effective protection includes access to quality education, healthcare services, decent shelter, legal identity, social services and opportunities for meaningful participation in society.
The event brought together government officials, humanitarian partners and stakeholders to reaffirm collective efforts toward ensuring safety, inclusion and sustainable solutions for refugees and displaced persons across Nigeria.
