FG to repatriate 15,000 Nigerians stranded abroad

The Federal Government says discussions are ongoing on how 15,000 Nigerians stranded in Cameroon, Niger, Chad, and other parts of the world will be returned to Nigeria in safety and dignity.

The Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Tijani Ahmed, made this known at a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, May 9, 2025.

Ahmed revealed that no fewer than six million people are displaced in Nigeria, while thousands of refugees are living elsewhere across the world.

Ahmed said: “We have 15,000 Nigerians who want to return to the country voluntarily, and we also have not less than 100,000 foreigners living in this country as refugees.

“All these are the responsibilities of the commission, to give them support.”

While reiterating government’s efforts to ensure the safe return of the displaced persons, Ahmed thanked President Bola Tinubu for the support given to the commission and the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry.

The NCFRMI boss also disclosed that Nigeria would be hosting the first thematic meeting under its chairmanship of the Rabat Process, with more than 100 delegates from the 57 partner countries in attendance.

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It would be recalled that Nigeria assumed chairmanship of the Rabat Process – a Euro-African dialogue on migration and development – in January 2025.

Ahmed said that the meeting scheduled for May 13 and May 14, 2025, will pave the way for bilateral discussions between Nigeria and other countries, leading to better migration governance

The federal commissioner also outlined the challenges in managing migration, including the need for adequate advocacy to inform younger generations about legal migration pathways.

Ahmed added: “There is a need to educate migrants about the consequences of irregular migration, including negative outcomes.

“The focus should be on advocating for legal migration pathways to reduce the number of irregular migrants.

“Regular migration involves moving through legal channels, while irregular migration often involves dangerous and illegal methods.

“Irregular migration can lead to hardship and danger, with many migrants unable to return to their home country.”

Ahmed, therefore, called for better coordination and support from various stakeholders, including the media, to enhance migration governance.

The Star