Abuja: The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has announced the successful repatriation of approximately 50,000 refugees back into the country over the past three years. The commission reaffirmed its dedication to addressing the needs of over 6.7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) within the nation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Malam Aliyu Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, shared these updates during an event marking his third year in office. Ahmed highlighted that some of the displaced individuals originated from neighboring countries. He emphasized the commission’s ongoing efforts in managing the affairs of both refugees and IDPs, including those living in camps and host communities.
“We have refugees from other nations living in Nigeria, and our own citizens are located in countries like Cameroon, Republic of Niger, Chad, Liberia, and many others,” Ahmed stated. He also mentioned the recent repatriation of 1,400 Nigerians from the Republic of South Africa, which is part of the commission’s continuous efforts across all 36 states.
Ahmed attributed the commission’s progress to the support from President Bola Tinubu, which has enabled them to fulfill their mandate. He stressed the importance of considering the host communities that accommodate displaced persons, indicating that the commission is working towards acquiring reliable data on migrants and displaced individuals.
Efforts include engaging a consultant to develop a robust data management system. The focus has shifted towards sustainable solutions, offering training to refugees, migrants, and displaced individuals to empower them economically. Ahmed highlighted initiatives like engaging IDPs in farming and providing education to children in camps to prevent future societal issues.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that various department heads within the commission presented achievements made during Ahmed’s leadership over the past three years.