The Federal Government says Nigeria is currently accommodating more than 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers, largely from the Lake Chad Basin region, even as millions of citizens continue to face internal displacement caused by insecurity, conflict, and environmental challenges.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, made this known on Monday, June 22, in Abuja during the 2026 World Refugee Day event themed “Until Everyone is Safe.”
According to a statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chris Ugwuegbulam, Akume reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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.
“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”, he was quoted as saying.
Akume explained that government policy is shifting from short-term relief measures to long-term solutions that integrate humanitarian support with development initiatives aimed at rebuilding livelihoods.
“The Federal Government is deliberately shifting from palliatives to pathways by linking humanitarian response to development opportunities.
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“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 said.
He warned that the growing scale of displacement driven by insecurity, climate change, and conflicts requires stronger global cooperation and coordinated responses.
Akume also emphasised that displaced persons should be seen as individuals with potential rather than merely victims of crisis.
He further revealed that the government plans to expand the National Social Register to include more vulnerable groups, including displaced populations and host communities.
He said the move would ensure “data-driven, targeted, transparent and dignified humanitarian assistance” for affected persons.
Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread displacement driven by insurgency, banditry, communal conflicts, and climate-related disasters, while also hosting thousands of refugees from neighbouring countries affected by instability.