Nigeria has urged the United Nations refugee agency to partner with African development banks to mobilise additional funding for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, made the appeal on Monday at the 77th Executive Committee session of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva.
Doro proposed stronger cooperation between UNHCR, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development to address declining humanitarian funding and improve support for countries hosting displaced people.
He disclosed that more than 7,000 Nigerian refugees had voluntarily returned home in 2026 under tripartite repatriation arrangements.
According to him, another 14,000 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon had registered their intention to return, while arrangements for 2,000 refugees in Niger were being finalised.
The minister expressed appreciation to Cameroon, Chad and Niger for hosting Nigerians displaced by insecurity and other humanitarian emergencies.
He said Nigeria was hosting more than 142,000 refugees and asylum seekers from 42 countries as of September 2026. The country also had more than 6.7 million internally displaced persons and had received over 24,000 returnees.
Doro reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting people fleeing persecution in line with national legislation and international obligations.
He said Nigeria had domesticated the Kampala Convention in 2026, while implementation processes were progressing at the state level.
According to the minister, improved security in some affected communities was creating opportunities for displaced people to return voluntarily.
He disclosed that resettlement communities had been established in seven locations to support displaced persons and facilitate the gradual closure of camps.
He said the programme prioritised voluntary return, safety, dignity and sustainable reintegration rather than merely relocating displaced populations.
Doro added that Nigeria was working with UNHCR to develop a digital gateway through which refugees could securely access information and services.
He said displaced persons and host communities were also being enrolled in the national identity system to improve access to banking, education and social services.
The minister further disclosed that refugees in five states had received access to land, agricultural inputs and vocational training to strengthen their livelihoods and reduce dependence on humanitarian assistance.
He urged countries to recognise Nigeria’s convention travel documents and facilitate visa issuance to eligible holders.
Doro also called for greater international responsibility-sharing, expanded refugee resettlement opportunities and alternative pathways to durable solutions for displaced populations.
Responding, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih welcomed Nigeria’s initiatives and acknowledged its call for stronger partnerships with regional financial institutions.
Salih commended the resettlement communities, digital services, refugee documentation initiatives and efforts to strengthen national protection systems.
