FG moves to repatriate 15,000 stranded Nigerians from abroad

The Federal Government has commenced discussions aimed at facilitating the safe and dignified return of over 15,000 Nigerians stranded across countries like Cameroon, Niger, Chad, and other parts of the world.

This was disclosed by the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.

Ahmed revealed that Nigeria currently has over six million internally displaced persons (IDPs), with thousands more living as refugees abroad.

“We have 15,000 Nigerians who have voluntarily indicated interest in returning home. At the same time, Nigeria hosts no fewer than 100,000 foreigners living here as refugees,” he stated.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support to the commission and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, noting that efforts are being intensified to ensure the safe reintegration of returnees.

The NCFRMI boss also announced that Nigeria will host the first thematic meeting of the Rabat Process under its chairmanship. The event, scheduled for May 13–14, will bring together over 100 delegates from 57 partner countries to discuss the theme: “Youth, Innovation, and Education: Driving the Future of Migration.”

Nigeria assumed leadership of the Rabat Process—a Euro-African platform on migration and development—in January 2025.

“Being part of international migration dialogues like the Rabat Process offers us opportunities for knowledge exchange and improved migration governance,” Ahmed said.

He identified irregular migration and low awareness among youths as major challenges, urging greater advocacy for legal migration pathways.

“There is a pressing need to educate the youth on the risks of irregular migration. Many who take these dangerous routes often suffer severe hardship and may never return,” he warned.

Ahmed called on stakeholders, including the media, to support efforts aimed at strengthening migration governance in the country.