The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has reported that over 50,000 refugees have been returned to Nigeria in the past three years. This is part of the commission's efforts to resettle displaced persons. One notable case is the repatriation of 1,400 Nigerians from South Africa, who were subjected to xenophobic attacks. The commission has helped resettle them in their communities.
According to the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Malam Aliyu Ahmed, there are over 6.7 million displaced persons in Nigeria. This number is an estimate, as the commission is working to establish authentic and reliable data on migrants and displaced persons. The commission was initially created in 1989 to handle refugees, but its mandate has since been expanded to include internally displaced persons and migrants.
The NCFRMI was established to address the influx of displaced persons fleeing conflict zones in West Africa, particularly during the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone. In 2002, its mandate was expanded to include internally displaced persons due to inter-ethnic conflicts in Nigeria. The commission's role was further expanded in 2009 to deal with migrants.
The commission is committed to managing the over 6.7 million displaced persons in Nigeria, particularly those in conflict-prone states. To provide a sense of belonging and productive activities, the commission offers education for displaced children and farming for adults within camps and host communities. This initiative is commendable, but there are concerns about the government's support for these efforts.
The government has reportedly stopped providing financial support to persons of concern, which has led to severe shortages in camps. The commission must ensure sustained support for these individuals until they can voluntarily leave the camps or integrate with host communities. A key step would be to provide affordable housing, replacing makeshift camps that can exacerbate feelings of displacement.
The NCFRMI has engaged a consultant to establish a reliable database of migrants and displaced persons. This move aims to address the complexities of displacement and develop effective solutions. With a reliable database, the commission can better plan and implement support services for those in need.
The issue of displacement in Nigeria requires a structured and sustained approach. The government, through its agencies, must provide continued support to ensure that displaced persons can rebuild their lives. The commission's efforts to resettle refugees and provide education and farming opportunities are crucial steps towards addressing this challenge.
Key points
- The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons has reported that over 50,000 refugees have returned to Nigeria in the past three years.
- There are over 6.7 million displaced persons in Nigeria, according to the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI.
- The government has stopped providing financial support to persons of concern, which has led to severe shortages in camps.
