The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has successfully repatriated 50,000 Nigerian refugees over the past three years. This achievement was announced by the commission's Federal Commissioner, Aliyu Ahmed, during a recent event in Abuja celebrating his three years in office. The repatriation effort is part of the commission's broader mandate to manage the welfare of displaced persons within the country.

According to Ahmed, the NCFRMI has been actively managing the affairs of over 6.7 million displaced individuals in Nigeria. This includes not only those living in camps but also those integrated into host communities. The commission's responsibilities extend beyond repatriation, as it also provides support to displaced persons living within Nigeria and those who have been resettled in their communities.

The NCFRMI also caters to refugees from other nations living in Nigeria, as well as Nigerian citizens displaced in neighboring countries. Ahmed mentioned that the commission has been receiving displaced Nigerians from various countries, including South Africa, Cameroon, the Republic of Niger, Chad, and Liberia. Recently, the commission received 1,400 Nigerians from South Africa, highlighting the ongoing nature of this issue.

In addition to repatriation and support, the NCFRMI is working to gather authentic and reliable data on migrants and displaced persons in Nigeria. Ahmed emphasized the importance of accurate data in effectively managing the complex needs of these populations. This effort aims to ensure that the commission's resources are allocated efficiently and that support reaches those who need it most.

The commission's work is not limited to the displaced individuals themselves but also extends to the host communities that accommodate them. Ahmed noted that it is essential to consider the needs of these host communities, as they often bear the burden of supporting large numbers of displaced persons. By doing so, the NCFRMI aims to create a more balanced and sustainable approach to displacement management.

Ahmed attributed the commission's successes to the support it has received from President Bola Tinubu. With this backing, the NCFRMI has been able to fulfill its mandate and make significant progress in addressing the challenges faced by displaced persons in Nigeria. The commission's efforts are crucial in providing relief and assistance to those affected by displacement.

The NCFRMI's work is ongoing, with continued efforts to repatriate and support displaced persons. As the commission looks to the future, it remains committed to its core objectives of managing displacement and providing support to those in need. With a focus on data-driven approaches and community engagement, the NCFRMI is working to make a lasting impact on the lives of displaced persons in Nigeria.

Key points

  • The NCFRMI has repatriated 50,000 Nigerian refugees over the past three years.
  • The commission is managing the welfare of over 6.7 million displaced individuals in Nigeria.
  • The NCFRMI is working to gather authentic and reliable data on migrants and displaced persons in Nigeria.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.