As economic hardship and insecurity continue to force many Nigerians out of the country, concerns are growing over the Federal Government’s recent revelation that more than 400,000 Nigerian refugees are currently residing in Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.
The disclosure was made by the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Tijani Ahmed, during a technical working group meeting in Abuja last week.
Ahmed explained that the committee was reviewing past efforts, exploring ways to engage international partners, and seeking government intervention in the repatriation process.
“We are here to discuss the repatriation of Nigerians living in Cameroon and Chad, where we have a tripartite agreement signed by the government of Chad, Nigeria, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR),” he stated.
According to him, repatriation efforts have already commenced in Chad, with 3,000 Nigerians returning home last week through the efforts of the Borno State government. He added that similar plans are in place for those in Cameroon and Niger.
Mounting Economic Pressure Driving Migration
The revelation has sparked outrage among Nigerians, who blame the situation on poor leadership, worsening insecurity, and the deepening economic crisis.
Mallam Sabiu Ibrahim, a Katsina-based educationist, painted a grim picture of the country’s socio-economic realities.
“The cloud is gathering and becoming darker by the day. Danger lurks around as hunger and starvation bite harder. Nigerians are running out of patience with the government, and if urgent steps are not taken to address this ugly trend, something disastrous might happen,” he warned.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in food prices, with staples such as rice, maize, millet, and beans becoming unaffordable for many. Protests have erupted across various states, including Kano, Lagos, Oyo, and Sokoto, as citizens decry the high cost of living.
Adding to the crisis is the rising wave of insecurity, with communities facing relentless attacks from Boko Haram insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers. The lack of safety has made many Nigerians seek refuge in neighboring countries, even if only temporarily.
The Appeal for Urgent Action
Dr. Pogu Bitrus, President of the Middle Belt Forum, described the situation as a true reflection of Nigeria’s economic downturn.
“There are hundreds of thousands of Nigerians already in Chad, Cameroon, and Niger because of the economic collapse and insecurity. As long as these problems persist, people will continue to migrate,” he said.
Similarly, a migration expert, Osita Osemene, emphasized the need for the government to stabilize the economy and provide security.
“Our leaders must fix the country. Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources, and yet, people are running to smaller African nations in search of a better life. If the economy is revived and security is assured, these unnecessary migrations will stop,” he asserted.
A Looming Crisis?
While some argue that cultural and historical ties between Nigeria and its neighbors make migration natural, others warn that the situation could escalate if urgent measures are not taken.
Abdullahi Fago, an educationist from Katsina, called the development an embarrassment.
“Yes, some Nigerians living in border communities have strong ties with Niger, but never in history have we seen this level of migration due to hunger and insecurity,” he noted.
He warned that unless the government acts swiftly, more Nigerians could be forced to flee, further worsening the crisis.
“A stitch in time saves nine. The government must intervene now before the situation spirals out of control,” he cautioned.
With the increasing number of Nigerians stranded abroad, analysts say the government must address the root causes—economic hardship and insecurity—rather than focusing solely on repatriation efforts. Whether authorities will heed these warnings remains to be seen.
