By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the protection, inclusion and empowerment of refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable populations, as stakeholders gathered in Abuja to commemorate World Refugee Day 2026.
The event, themed “Until Everyone Is Safe,” featured a High-Level Dialogue on Refugee Protection, Solutions and Solidarity held at the ECOWAS Commission Auditorium in Asokoro, Abuja. It brought together government officials, diplomats, development partners, humanitarian agencies, civil society organizations and refugee representatives to discuss sustainable solutions to displacement challenges.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described World Refugee Day as an important occasion for reflection, solidarity and renewed commitment to protecting displaced persons globally.
Akume noted that this year’s observance coincides with the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, describing it as a landmark instrument that continues to provide the foundation for refugee protection worldwide.
According to him, the theme underscores the shared responsibility of governments, institutions and communities to ensure that displaced persons live in safety, dignity and hope.
He observed that the world is facing unprecedented levels of forced displacement driven by conflict, insecurity, climate change and humanitarian crises, stressing the need for stronger international cooperation, innovative solutions and deeper global solidarity.
The SGF reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening institutional and policy frameworks through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), while expanding social protection, economic inclusion, livelihood support and community resilience programmes for displaced populations.
In his address, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, said the 75th anniversary of the Refugee Convention presents an opportunity to renew global commitment to the principles of protection, solidarity and human dignity.
Doro reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to its international obligations, noting that the country continues to provide protection and support for refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons affected by conflict, insecurity and climate-related challenges.
He explained that Nigeria’s response to displacement is anchored on protection, livelihoods and durable solutions, adding that the Federal Government is strengthening the National Social Register and expanding social protection interventions to better capture vulnerable populations, including displaced persons and host communities.
The minister also highlighted efforts to integrate skills acquisition, livelihood opportunities and economic empowerment into humanitarian programmes.
“Protection without opportunity is limited. We want people not only to survive displacement but to graduate from vulnerability to self-sufficiency and resilience,” he said.
Doro commended the NCFRMI, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other development partners for their continued support in advancing protection and durable solutions for displaced populations.
Earlier, the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Hon. Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, described World Refugee Day as a reminder that safety, dignity and protection for displaced persons can only be achieved through collective action and international solidarity.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to upholding the principle of non-refoulement and providing protection for refugees and asylum seekers while pursuing durable solutions that promote resilience, self-reliance and inclusion.
Representatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also pledged continued support for policies and programmes that promote refugee protection, migration management, inclusion and peaceful coexistence.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Aliyu Aminu Garo, a member of the House of Representatives, called for stronger efforts to address the root causes of displacement and promote sustainable solutions that enable affected populations to rebuild their lives with dignity.
He advocated enhanced collaboration among governments, development partners, civil society organizations and host communities to ensure vulnerable populations receive adequate protection and support.
The event featured goodwill messages from representatives of UNHCR, the ECOWAS Commission, diplomatic missions, development partners, humanitarian organizations and refugee communities, all of whom stressed the importance of shared responsibility, inclusion and durable solutions in addressing displacement challenges.
