The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting, including and empowering refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups, as stakeholders gathered in Abuja to commemorate World Refugee Day 2026.
The event, themed “Until Everyone Is Safe,” was marked by a High-Level Dialogue on Refugee Protection, Solutions and Solidarity held at the ECOWAS Commission Auditorium in Asokoro, Abuja. The gathering brought together government officials, diplomats, development partners, humanitarian organisations, civil society groups and refugee representatives to discuss sustainable solutions to displacement challenges.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described the occasion as an opportunity for reflection, solidarity and renewed commitment to displaced populations worldwide. He noted that this year’s celebration coincides with the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, a landmark international framework for refugee protection.
Akume said the theme highlights the shared responsibility of governments, institutions and communities to ensure displaced persons live in safety, dignity and hope. He stressed that rising cases of forced displacement caused by conflict, insecurity, climate change and humanitarian crises demand stronger international cooperation and innovative solutions.
The SGF reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening institutional and policy frameworks through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), while expanding social protection, livelihood support and community resilience programmes for affected populations.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, said the 75th anniversary of the Refugee Convention presents an opportunity to renew global commitment to protection, solidarity and human dignity.
He noted that Nigeria remains committed to its international obligations and continues to provide protection and support for refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons affected by conflict, insecurity and climate-related challenges.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s displacement response is anchored on protection, livelihoods and durable solutions. He disclosed that the Federal Government is strengthening the National Social Register and expanding social protection interventions to better accommodate displaced persons and host communities.
Doro also emphasized the ministry’s focus on integrating skills acquisition, economic empowerment and livelihood opportunities into humanitarian programmes to help vulnerable populations achieve self-reliance.
“Protection without opportunity is limited. We want people not only to survive displacement but to graduate from vulnerability to self-sufficiency and resilience,” he said.
The minister commended the NCFRMI, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other development partners for their support in advancing refugee protection and durable solutions.
Earlier, Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Hon. Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, said World Refugee Day serves as a reminder that the safety, dignity and protection of displaced persons can only be achieved through collective action and international solidarity.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to upholding the principle of non-refoulement and promoting durable solutions that foster resilience, self-reliance and inclusion.
Representatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the House of Representatives, development partners and refugee communities also called for stronger collaboration to address the root causes of displacement and support vulnerable populations.
Participants at the event unanimously stressed the importance of shared responsibility, protection, inclusion and sustainable solutions in addressing the growing displacement crisis and ensuring that no displaced person is left behind.
