Nigeria hosts 100,000 refugees as FG strengthens protection, livelihoods and long-term support for displaced persons nationwide

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has disclosed that Nigeria is currently hosting more than 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers, while millions of citizens remain internally displaced by insecurity, conflict and climate-related disasters across the country.

Senator Akume made the disclosure on Monday in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 World Refugee Day, themed “Until Everyone is Safe”, where he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting and empowering vulnerable populations under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

The announcement highlights the scale of Nigeria’s humanitarian burden at a time when displacement continues to affect communities across the North-East and other parts of the country.

Nigeria remains both a destination for refugees fleeing instability in neighbouring countries and one of Africa’s largest populations of internally displaced persons.

According to Senator Akume, many of the refugees and asylum seekers currently residing in Nigeria come from countries within the Lake Chad Basin region, where years of conflict and insecurity have forced thousands to seek safety beyond their national borders.

“Nigeria currently hosts over 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from countries within the Lake Chad Basin region, while millions of Nigerians remain internally displaced due to various humanitarian crises,” Senator Akume said.

The SGF explained that the Federal Government’s response is anchored on three strategic pillars: protection, livelihoods and durable solutions.

These interventions are being coordinated through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.

In a significant shift from emergency relief efforts, Senator Akume said government programmes are increasingly focused on helping displaced persons rebuild their lives through sustainable economic opportunities.

“The Federal Government is deliberately shifting from palliatives to pathways by linking humanitarian response to development opportunities,” he said.

“We are committed to ensuring that displaced persons not only survive but thrive through access to livelihoods, agribusiness opportunities, education, and social protection programmes.”

The disclosure comes amid growing international concerns over the impact of climate change, armed conflicts and economic instability on global displacement figures.

Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly warned that displacement crises are becoming more complex and prolonged, requiring coordinated responses beyond emergency aid.

Senator Akume stressed that refugees and internally displaced persons should not be viewed solely as victims but as individuals with immense potential capable of contributing meaningfully to society when given access to opportunities and support.

As part of ongoing reforms, the government is expanding the National Social Register to include more vulnerable persons, including displaced populations and host communities.

The initiative is expected to improve the delivery of targeted and transparent humanitarian assistance across affected areas.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, commended the resilience demonstrated by refugees worldwide and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international humanitarian principles.

Dr Doro called on governments, development partners, humanitarian agencies and host communities to strengthen efforts aimed at providing protection, durable solutions and pathways to self-reliance.

“Refugees must be given due attention to alleviate their plight,” the minister said.

Earlier, the Federal Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, urged stakeholders to move beyond expressions of sympathy and embrace practical measures that protect the dignity and rights of displaced populations.

Aliyu Tijani Ahmed said access to education, healthcare, shelter, legal identity and social services remains critical to ensuring meaningful inclusion and long-term stability for refugees and internally displaced persons.

The observance of World Refugee Day provided a powerful reminder of the human stories behind displacement statistics. Across Nigeria, millions of families continue to navigate the challenges of displacement caused by insurgency, banditry, communal violence and environmental disasters.

While government agencies and international partners have expanded interventions in recent years, humanitarian experts maintain that long-term solutions, economic inclusion and strengthened regional cooperation will be essential to addressing the root causes of displacement and supporting sustainable recovery.

For Nigeria, balancing its role as a host nation for refugees while addressing the needs of millions of internally displaced citizens remains one of the country’s most pressing humanitarian responsibilities.