The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to protecting refugees and internally displaced persons, as stakeholders called for stronger collaboration and sustainable solutions to address forced displacement across the country.
The call was made during the 2026 World Refugee Day commemoration held in Abuja, where government officials, development partners, diplomats, humanitarian organisations, civil society groups, refugees and internally displaced persons gathered at the ECOWAS Commission Auditorium to discuss protection, inclusion and durable solutions for displaced populations.
The event also marked the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, the global framework guiding refugee protection.
Ahead of the commemoration, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) held a press briefing where the Federal Commissioner, Tijjani Aliyu Ahmed, stressed the need for stronger partnerships among government institutions, humanitarian agencies, development partners and host communities.
Ahmed said refugee protection remains a shared responsibility, adding that displaced persons should be supported through policies that promote dignity, empowerment and self-reliance.
Hon. Tijjani Aliyu Ahmed
Federal Commissioner, NCFRMI
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Justice Development and Peace Caritas Initiative (JDPC Abuja), Rev. Fr. Sebastian Sanni, urged stakeholders to promote greater solidarity, inclusion and community-driven approaches in addressing the challenges faced by refugees and internally displaced persons.
Rev. Fr. Sebastian Sanni Executive Director, JDPC Abuja
World Refugee Day is observed annually to recognise the courage, resilience and contributions of refugees globally. The 2026 theme, “Until Everyone Is Safe,” highlights the need for collective action to ensure displaced persons live with security and dignity.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Nigeria currently hosts more than 139,000 refugees and asylum seekers, while over 3.7 million people remain internally displaced due to various crises.
The highlight of the celebration was a high-level stakeholder dialogue focused on protection, solutions and solidarity. Participants included representatives of the Presidency, National Assembly, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, United Nations agencies, ECOWAS, diplomatic missions, development partners, humanitarian organisations and displaced communities.
Setting the tone for the discussions, the NCFRMI Federal Commissioner reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the principles of the 1951 Refugee Convention, noting that refugees should not be viewed as burdens but as individuals with skills, aspirations and the capacity to contribute positively to society.
He called for a shift from short-term humanitarian support to long-term empowerment and inclusion programmes.: Hon. Tijjani Aliyu Ahmed
Federal Commissioner, NCFRMI
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, described the theme of the commemoration as a call to action, saying the government is strengthening social protection systems, expanding assistance programmes and creating livelihood opportunities for displaced persons.
Dr. Bernard M. Doro Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the occasion serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect people forced to flee their homes.
Akume noted that displacement is not only a humanitarian issue but also a development and governance challenge that requires coordinated efforts, stronger partnerships and inclusive policies.
Sen. George Akume Secretary to the Government of the Federation
Participants at the dialogue agreed that achieving lasting solutions for refugees and internally displaced persons would require sustained investment, regional cooperation, community participation and a collective commitment to ensuring that all displaced persons can live safely, with dignity and hope.