Over 90,000 officially registered refugees from about 34 different countries are currently living in Nigeria, according to the most recent statistics by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMI).
The Federal Commissioner of the Commission, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim disclosed this during a walk held in Abuja ahead of the 2023 World Refugee Day in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
She said the theme for the 2023 World Refugee Day: ‘Hope Away from Home’ was apt, because it encapsulated what Nigeria was doing regarding its refugee programme since it became signatory to the 1951 to UN Convention
The Commission, according to her, will continue to collaborate with its allies in efforts to identify sustainable solutions for individuals who are of concern and give them hope because they have their aspirations and Nigerians are welcoming to refugees.
“We will continue to strengthen our refugee programmes through policies and collaboration with other partners. As of today we have about 90,000 registered refugees from about 34 countries, its work in progress. We thank the Federal Government for giving us the support to provide succor for persons of concern”, she said.
The UNHCR Deputy Representative in Nigeria, Bernadette Muteshi said the walk was to create awareness on the World Refugees Day and also show solidarity to them.
“We decided along with the National Commission to do this walk before the actual World Refugee Day. It’s an occasion to commemorate the plight of refugees, who have fled their countries due to persecution. This is calling awareness of international communities not to forget these categories of persons behind because they need our solidarity “
Some Southern Cameroonian Refugees in Abuja appealed to international communities to find durable solutions to the refugee crisis to alleviate their plights.
Some participants at the 2023 walk for World Refugee Day. Photo: Hadiza Abdulrahman
UNHCR global statistics on refugees
Statistics by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) revealed that at the end of 2022, more than 100 million people were forcibly displaced globally.
The statistics also stated that about 35.3 million of those forced from their homes were refugees, crossing international borders to escape war and human rights abuses.
The ongoing conflict in countries including Ukraine, Afghanistan, and recent violence in Sudan have all contributed to the massive numbers of displaced people.
Every year on 20th June, the world celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. It also acts as a forum to foster understanding and sympathy for their plight, create awareness about their difficulties, and fight for their rights.
