The Federal Government has pledged to expand economic and social support systems for refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons (IDPs), with a focus on helping them achieve long-term self-reliance.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja during the 2026 World Refugee Day commemoration, where he restated President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to the protection and empowerment of displaced populations.
Akume said government policy was increasingly shifting away from short-term humanitarian palliatives toward sustainable development strategies designed to integrate displaced persons into productive economic activities.
According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda is driving efforts to link emergency response with long-term opportunities in areas such as agribusiness, education, skills development, and social protection.
“The Federal Government is deliberately moving from temporary relief to sustainable pathways that allow displaced persons not just to survive, but to thrive through access to livelihoods, education, agribusiness opportunities and social protection systems,” he said.
The SGF disclosed that Nigeria currently hosts over 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mostly from neighbouring countries within the Lake Chad Basin, while millions of Nigerians continue to face displacement due to conflict and insecurity.
He added that the government’s response framework is built on three core pillars—protection, livelihoods, and durable solutions—implemented through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
Akume also highlighted growing global challenges such as climate-induced displacement, insecurity, and prolonged conflicts, noting that these require stronger international cooperation and sustained humanitarian commitment.
He urged stakeholders to view refugees and displaced persons not merely as victims, but as individuals with potential who deserve dignity, inclusion, and access to opportunities.
The SGF further revealed that the Federal Government is expanding the National Social Register to include more vulnerable groups, including displaced persons and host communities, to improve data-driven and transparent delivery of social support.
In his remarks, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, praised the resilience of refugees and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global humanitarian standards and best practices.
Doro called for stronger collaboration between governments, development partners, and host communities to ensure effective protection and long-term solutions for displaced populations.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, stressed that support for refugees must go beyond sympathy to practical measures that safeguard rights and dignity.
He said such measures should include access to education, healthcare, housing, legal identity, and opportunities for meaningful participation in society.