FG to repatriate 15,000 Nigerians stranded overseas

The Federal Authorities says discussions are ongoing on how 15,000 Nigerians stranded in Cameroon, Niger, Chad and different components of the world will probably be returned to Nigeria in security and dignity.

Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, Federal Commissioner, Nationwide Fee for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Individuals (NCFRMI), disclosed this at a media briefing on Friday in Abuja.

Ahmed revealed that no fewer than six million persons are displaced in Nigeria whereas 1000’s of refugees live elsewhere internationally.

“We now have 15,000 Nigerians that need to return to the nation voluntarily and we additionally haven’t lower than 100,000 foreigners residing on this nation as refugees.

“All these are the obligations of the fee, to provide them help,” he stated.

Whereas reiterating authorities’s tireless efforts to make sure protected return of the displaced individuals, Ahmed thanked President Bola Tinubu for the help given to the fee and the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry.

The NCFRMI boss additionally disclosed that Nigeria could be internet hosting the primary thematic assembly below its chairmanship of the Rabat Course of with greater than 100 delegates from the 57 accomplice international locations in attendance.

It might be recalled that Nigeria assumed chairmanship of the Rabat Course of – a Euro-African dialogue on migration and growth – in January, 2025.

Ahmed stated that the assembly,scheduled for Could 13 and Could 14, themed, “Youth, Innovation and Schooling: Driving the Way forward for Migration.” will pave the way in which for bilateral discussions between Nigeria and different international locations, main to raised migration governance

“Membership in these platforms gives alternatives for information switch and higher migration administration.

“Nigeria’s management within the Rabat Course of is seen as a bonus, regardless of its being a one-year time period,” he added.

The federal commissioner additionally outlined the challenges in managing migration, together with the necessity for ample advocacy to tell youthful generations about authorized migration pathways.

“There’s a want to coach migrants concerning the penalties of irregular migration, together with destructive outcomes.

“The main focus ought to be on advocating for authorized migration pathways to cut back the variety of irregular migrants.

“Common migration includes shifting by means of authorized channels, whereas irregular migration usually includes harmful and unlawful strategies.

“Irregular migration can result in hardship and hazard, with many migrants unable to return to their residence nation,” he stated

Ahmed, subsequently, known as for higher coordination and help from varied stakeholders, together with the media to reinforce migration governance.

(NAN)