The Federal Government has reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to maintaining open borders for asylum seekers and adhering to the international principle of non-refoulement, which ensures that refugees aren’t sent back to places where they are in peril.
In remarks made in anticipation of the 2026 World Refugee Day, NCFRMI Commissioner Tijani Ahmed noted that numerous refugees from Cameroon and Niger Republic have been recorded in states such as Benue, Borno, and Cross River.
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He also mentioned that in January 2026, around 3,000 Nigerian refugees willingly returned from Cameroon.
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Ahmed emphasized that Nigerians living abroad who wish to come back to their home country will only be repatriated voluntarily, without any coercion.
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Meanwhile, JDPCI Executive Director Rev. Fr. Sebastian Sanni urged for increased collaboration to support displaced individuals, insisting that “refugees must be protected. It’s their right to receive protection, not just a privilege.”
Meanwhile, the UNHCR warned that the global right to seek asylum is under pressure, maintaining that “safety should not be a privilege” and urging countries to uphold the 1951 Refugee Convention.
