Nigeria hosts 100,000 refugees, asylum seekers from Lake Chad Basin, others – FG

…reaffirms commitment to protecting refugees, IDPs

The federal government on Monday revealed that Nigeria currently hosts over 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from countries within the Lake Chad Basin region, while millions of Nigerians remain internally displaced due to various humanitarian crises.

This is as the country reaffirmed its unflinching commitment to the protection, welfare, and empowerment of refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in line with global best practices

George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), made the disclosure in Abuja at the commemoration of World Refugee Day 2026, with the theme “Until Everyone is Safe”, according to Chris Ugwuegbulam, Head, Information & Public Relations, Office of the SGF.

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Akume highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to integrating humanitarian assistance with long-term development strategies.

SGF explained that government interventions are increasingly focused on creating sustainable pathways that will enable displaced persons to rebuild their lives and become self-reliant.

According to him, “The federal government is deliberately shifting from palliatives to pathways by linking humanitarian response to development opportunities. We are committed to ensuring that displaced persons not only survive but thrive through access to livelihoods, agribusiness opportunities, education, and social protection programmes,” he stated.

“Nigeria currently hosts over 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from countries within the Lake Chad Basin region, while millions of Nigerians remain internally displaced due to various humanitarian crises.”

He stated that the federal government’s response is anchored on three key pillars: protection, livelihoods, and durable solutions, implemented through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).

The SGF emphasised that the growing challenges of climate-induced displacement, insecurity, and protracted conflicts across the globe underscore the continued relevance of the Convention and the need for stronger international cooperation. He stressed that refugees and internally displaced persons should be viewed not merely as victims of circumstance but as individuals with immense potential who deserve dignity, opportunity, and support.

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The government, however, revealed that efforts are underway to expand the National Social Register to capture more vulnerable persons, including displaced populations and host communities, in order to ensure data-driven, targeted, transparent, and dignified humanitarian assistance.

He added that efforts are underway to expand the National Social Register to capture more vulnerable persons, including displaced populations and host communities, in order to ensure data-driven, targeted, transparent, and dignified humanitarian assistance.

In his keynote address, Bernard Doro, minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, commended the resilience and courage demonstrated by refugees around the world and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to upholding international humanitarian principles and supporting vulnerable populations in line with global best practices. He also stressed that refugees must be given due attention to alleviate their plight, calling on governments, development partners, humanitarian agencies, and host communities to strengthen efforts aimed at providing protection, durable solutions, and opportunities for self-reliance.

Aliyu Ahmed, Federal Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), in his remarks, emphasised that solidarity must extend beyond expressions of sympathy to practical commitments that safeguard the rights and dignity of vulnerable populations.

He stated that protection must include access to quality education, healthcare services, decent shelter, legal identity, social services and opportunities for meaningful participation in society.