Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the protection, inclusion, and empowerment of refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and other vulnerable populations as stakeholders gathered in Abuja to commemorate World Refugee Day 2026 under the theme, “Until Everyone Is Safe.” This was contained in a statement signed by Mrs. Janet McDickson, Director, Information and Public Relations
The High-Level Dialogue on Refugee Protection, Solutions and Solidarity, held at the ECOWAS Commission Auditorium, Asokoro, Abuja, brought together senior government officials, diplomatic representatives, development partners, humanitarian organizations, civil society groups, and refugee representatives to reflect on the global displacement crisis and chart pathways towards sustainable solutions.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, described World Refugee Day as an important occasion for reflection, solidarity, and renewed commitment to the protection of displaced populations across the world.
The SGF noted that this year’s commemoration coincides with the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, a landmark international instrument that continues to provide the foundation for refugee protection globally. He stated that the theme, “Until Everyone Is Safe,” reflects the collective responsibility of governments, institutions, and communities to ensure that every displaced person can live in safety, dignity, and hope.
According to him, the world is currently witnessing unprecedented levels of forced displacement driven by conflict, insecurity, climate-related challenges, and humanitarian emergencies. He emphasized that these realities require stronger international cooperation, innovative solutions, and deeper solidarity among nations.
Senator Akume acknowledged Nigeria’s longstanding humanitarian tradition and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening institutional and policy frameworks through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), while expanding social protection, economic inclusion, livelihood support, and community resilience programmes for displaced populations.
Delivering his address, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro stated that the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention presents an opportunity to renew global commitment to the principles of protection, solidarity, and human dignity.
The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to its international obligations and noted that the country continues to provide protection and support for refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons affected by conflict, insecurity, and climate-induced pressures.
Dr. Doro explained that Nigeria’s response to displacement is anchored on protection, livelihoods, and durable solutions. He disclosed that the Federal Government is strengthening the National Social Register and expanding social protection interventions to better capture vulnerable populations, including displaced persons and host communities.
He further emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to integrating livelihood opportunities, skills acquisition, and economic empowerment into humanitarian programming.
“Protection without opportunity is limited. We want people not only to survive displacement but to graduate from vulnerability to self-sufficiency and resilience,” the Minister stated.
The Honourable Minister commended the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and other development partners for their continued support in advancing protection and durable solutions for displaced populations.
Earlier, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Hon. Aliyu Tijani Ahmed described World Refugee Day as a reminder that safety, dignity, and protection for displaced populations can only be achieved through collective action and international solidarity.
He noted that Nigeria remains committed to upholding the principle of non-refoulement and providing protection for refugees and asylum seekers while pursuing durable solutions that promote resilience, self-reliance, and inclusion.
Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, the representative reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to supporting policies and programmes that ensure migration management and refugee protection are implemented in a manner that upholds human dignity and complies with international best practices.
Similarly, the representative of the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, called on governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to continue standing in solidarity with refugees and displaced persons while promoting protection, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence.
Also speaking, Hon. Aliyu Aminu Garo, Member of the House of Representatives, emphasized the need to address the root causes of displacement while promoting resilience, self-reliance, and sustainable solutions that empower affected populations to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
He advocated stronger collaboration among governments, development partners, civil society organizations, and host communities to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the protection and support they require.
The event featured goodwill messages and interventions from representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), ECOWAS Commission, development partners, humanitarian organizations, diplomatic missions, and refugee communities, all of whom reiterated the importance of shared responsibility, protection, inclusion, and durable solutions in addressing displacement challenges.
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