The Federal Government has said it has started discussions on how to repatriate 15,000 Nigerians stranded in the Republics of Niger, Cameroon, Benin, Chad and other countries back home safely.
The Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, made this known at a media briefing Friday in Abuja.
The Federal Commissioner stated that the commission was working to ensure voluntary repatriation of affected citizens, many of whom have expressed a desire to return home.
According to him, “We have 15,000 Nigerians who want to return to the country voluntarily and we also have not less than 100,000 foreigners living in this country as refugees,” he said.
He noted that over six million people are currently displaced within Nigeria, making the commission’s task even more critical.
Ahmed commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the continued support extended to the commission and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, he reiterated the government’s commitment to the safe return and reintegration of displaced persons.
He announced that Nigeria would be hosting its first thematic meeting under the Rabat Process, an international dialogue on migration and development.
The event, scheduled to be held on May 13 and 14, will draw over 100 delegates from 57 partner countries.
The meeting, themed “Youth, Innovation and Education: Driving the Future of Migration,” he said is expected to open doors for bilateral migration discussions and improve governance on migration-related issues.
He therefore urged the media, civil society groups and international partners to support the commission’s efforts in providing accurate information and support services to prospective migrants.
The initiative by the commission comes amidst rising global displacement trends, which has also affected millions of Nigerians.