The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has revealed that Nigeria is currently hosting about 150,000 refugees, mainly from Cameroon, the Central African region and Sudan.
The Commission also disclosed that no fewer than 145,000 Nigerians are living as refugees in countries including Cameroon, Niger, Chad, Libya and others due to conflicts and activities of non-state actors.
The Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Tijani Ahmed, made the disclosure on Friday during a press conference to commemorate the 2026 World Refugee Day, themed: “Until Everyone is Safe.”
Ahmed said ongoing conflicts and persecution around the world continue to threaten human security, leading to increased displacement and humanitarian challenges.
He noted that crises in countries such as Sudan, Syria, Cameroon, Niger Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and parts of the Middle East have contributed to growing global displacement.
According to him, Nigeria remains committed to upholding the humanitarian principle of non-refoulement, which guarantees asylum seekers access to safety without being forcibly returned to danger.
He said the Commission has continued to receive and register asylum seekers from Cameroon and Niger who are currently residing in states including Adamawa, Cross River, Benue, Taraba, Akwa Ibom, Borno and Yobe.
Ahmed explained that most refugees in Nigeria are concentrated around coastal areas such as Calabar, Akwa Ibom, Ogoja and parts of Benue State, adding that many Nigerians have also sought refuge abroad because of insecurity.
He disclosed that about 3,000 Nigerians who expressed willingness to return home were repatriated in January 2026, while discussions are ongoing towards establishing a tripartite agreement for the voluntary return of more Nigerian refugees.
The Deputy Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Bernadette Muteshi, said about 42 million refugees are currently registered globally.
She called for greater opportunities in voluntary return, resettlement, employment, healthcare, education and local integration to enable displaced persons rebuild their lives with dignity.
Marking World Refugee Day, Muteshi said the theme “Until Everyone is Safe” reflects the urgent need to protect the right of every displaced person to seek safety.
She added that no one chooses to abandon their homes and loved ones, noting that ensuring protection for refugees remains a shared global responsibility.
Speaking on the occasion, the Executive Director of JDPCI, Rev. Fr. Sabastien Sani, urged stronger collaboration between government, development partners and stakeholders to address the challenges facing displaced persons.
Sani said the responsibility of supporting refugees and internally displaced persons should not rest solely on government, as development organisations and partners are willing to contribute towards creating sustainable solutions.
He explained that JDPCI, which has operated in Abuja for over three decades, has been supporting displaced communities through various interventions, including a skills acquisition centre where refugees are trained in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fashion and catering to help them achieve sustainable livelihoods.
He stressed that refugees must be protected and their rights respected regardless of their nationality or circumstances of displacement.