BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – The Federal Government says that Nigeria currently plays host to over 73,000 refugees and asylum seekers.
A breakdown of the figures indicates that 71,400 persons are on the refugees’ list while 1,600 are asylum seekers. This is as the total number of refugees worldwide currently stands at 26.3 million.
The Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) Hajia Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim released the statistics in a circular to mark the 2021 World Refugees Day in Abuja.
According to Suleiman-Ibrahim, in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) alone, the total number of refugees and asylum seekers is 710 and 460 respectively.
She further disclosed that Nigeria presently plays host to refugees and asylum-seekers from 17 countries, including China, Cameroon, Niger, Central Africa Republic (CAR), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Others are Sudan, Turkey, Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Liberia, Zimbabwe, Cote D’Ivoire, Benin Republic, and Togo.
She said the Commission is constantly working to improve infrastructure services and administrative systems to meet governance challenges, such as incorporating a large inflow of residents.
The Federal Commissioner said; “Welcoming refugees create opportunities for economic, civic, and social growth. The diversity of experiences and ideas refugees bring spurs creativity and innovation.
“This work is critical to our shared future. As leaders, we have a responsibility to receive and include new residents with care in order for our cities to become stronger and more resilient to change.”
“Ultimately, those among us who rise to this call for leadership will reap the benefits of societies that are the most productive, most modern, and the most filled with promise”, she said.
In a related development, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Musa Bello, has signed the #CitiesWithRefugees Declaration, making Abuja the 267th City of the World that is Refugee friendly.
