15,000 Nigerians Stranded Abroad To Be Repatriated — FG

The federal government is currently in discussions to facilitate the safe and dignified return of 15,000 Nigerians stranded in Cameroon, Niger, Chad, and other countries, according to Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, Ahmed disclosed that the commission is also managing the welfare of over six million internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Nigeria and more than 100,000 foreign refugees living in the country.

“We have 15,000 Nigerians that want to return to the country voluntarily, and we also have no less than 100,000 foreigners living in this country as refugees. All these are the responsibilities of the commission—to give them support,” he said.

Ahmed commended President Bola Tinubu for the federal government’s continued backing of the commission’s efforts and those of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

He also announced that Nigeria will host the first thematic meeting under its chairmanship of the Rabat Process, a Euro-African dialogue on migration and development. The meeting, which will take place on May 13 and 14, will welcome over 100 delegates from 57 partner countries.

“Themed ‘Youth, Innovation, and Education: Driving the Future of Migration,’ the meeting aims to facilitate bilateral talks and promote better migration governance,” Ahmed explained.

Nigeria assumed chairmanship of the Rabat Process in January 2025, a move Ahmed described as “an advantage despite being a one-year term” due to the opportunities it offers for knowledge transfer and strategic collaboration.

Addressing broader migration challenges, Ahmed stressed the importance of educating youth on legal migration pathways to curb irregular migration, which he said often leads to “hardship and danger.”

“There is a need to educate migrants about the consequences of irregular migration. Regular migration involves legal channels, while irregular migration often involves dangerous and illegal methods. Many who migrate irregularly find it difficult to return home,” he warned.

Ahmed called for greater coordination and support from stakeholders, particularly the media, in promoting awareness, advocacy, and effective migration governance.