The Federal Government has announced plans to repatriate no fewer than 400,000 Nigerian refugees currently residing in Chad, Niger Republic, and Cameroon.
The Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijani Ahmed, made this known during a Technical Working Group meeting in Abuja. He stated that the session aimed to review past efforts, outline new strategies, and identify areas requiring government intervention.
Ahmed emphasized that the committee would seek the involvement of key stakeholders, including international partners, to facilitate the repatriation process.
“We are here to discuss the repatriation of Nigerians living in Cameroon and Chad under a tripartite agreement signed by Nigeria, Chad, and the UNHCR. Last week, we were in Chad, where some repatriation has already taken place, and we hope to continue the process,” he said.
He further revealed that 3,000 refugees were recently brought back to Nigeria, facilitated by the Governor of Borno State. The Technical Working Group now aims to build on this progress to ensure a smooth return for more displaced persons.
“As of today, we have about 400,000 Nigerian refugees across Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. The tripartite agreement with Chad has been signed, and we have reviewed the necessary processes for repatriation. Soon, we will also resume the return of those in Cameroon,” he added.
The Deputy Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Nigeria, Bernadette Muteshi, reaffirmed the UNHCR’s commitment to ensuring the agreement is implemented effectively.
“We rely on both governments to take leadership and ownership of this process. Our role is to support and ensure that the contents of the tripartite agreement are fully adhered to,” Muteshi stated.
The repatriation exercise is expected to gain momentum in the coming weeks, ensuring that displaced Nigerians return home safely.
