The Federal Government has raised concerns over the fate of more than 400,000 Nigerian refugees stranded in Cameroon, Niger, and Chad, as efforts are underway to facilitate their repatriation.
Speaking at a Technical Working Group meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, revealed that 3,000 refugees were recently brought back to Nigeria. This was achieved through collaboration between the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, and the technical working group.
Ahmed explained that the tripartite agreement guiding the repatriation process had been reviewed, with necessary steps being taken to ensure a smooth continuation of the exercise. He acknowledged the key role played by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and assured that discussions were ongoing to maintain the momentum of the repatriation process.
The commissioner emphasized that the working group was evaluating previous actions while mapping out future strategies, including securing support from both the Nigerian government and international partners.
“Our goal is to make the repatriation process a continuous and structured effort in the coming weeks,” Ahmed stated.
He stressed the importance of government backing and the involvement of key stakeholders, particularly international partners, in ensuring the success of the initiative.
“We have no fewer than 400,000 Nigerian refugees across Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. Just last Sunday, 3,000 refugees were successfully repatriated with the efforts of the Borno State governor.
“We have reviewed the processes and assessed what needs to be done before proceeding further with the repatriation. The UNHCR plays a crucial role in this effort as the third party in the repatriation agreement,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the UNHCR, Deputy Representative Bernadette Muteshi reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working with the Nigerian government to ensure a safe and orderly repatriation.
She noted that the current approach emphasizes government leadership in the process, ensuring that the tripartite agreement is fully implemented.
“This time around, we are placing greater responsibility on the government to lead and take ownership of the repatriation process. The UNHCR remains committed to working alongside both governments to ensure adherence to the tripartite agreement,” Muteshi stated.
She reiterated the importance of a coordinated approach, emphasizing that both Nigeria and the host countries must take full responsibility for the well-being of the refugees as they return home.
