Nigeria has urged the United Nations refugee agency to explore partnerships with the African development banks to mobilise additional financing for refugees and internally displaced persons. Humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction minister Bernard Doro made the appeal on Monday at the 77th Executive Committee session of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Geneva.

Mr Doro proposed stronger cooperation between UNHCR, the African Development Bank and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development. The minister said the initiative could help address declining humanitarian financing and strengthen support for countries accommodating large numbers of 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 covering 2,000 refugees in Niger were being finalised.

Mr Doro expressed appreciation to Cameroon, Chad and Niger for accommodating Nigerians displaced by insecurity and other humanitarian emergencies. He told the committee that Nigeria was hosting more than 142,000 refugees and asylum seekers from 42 countries as of September.

The minister also reported that the country had more than 6.7 million internally displaced persons and had received over 24,000 returnees.

Mr Doro said Nigeria remained committed to maintaining an asylum system that protected people fleeing persecution, in accordance with its national legislation and international obligations. He disclosed that Nigeria had domesticated the Kampala Convention in 2026, with state-level implementation processes also progressing.

The minister said improved security conditions in some affected communities were creating opportunities for displaced people to return voluntarily. He announced that resettlement communities had been established in seven locations to support displaced persons and facilitate the gradual closure of camps.

According to him, the programme prioritises voluntary return, safety, dignity and sustainable reintegration rather than simply relocating displaced populations.

Mr Doro said Nigeria was also working with UNHCR to develop a digital gateway through which refugees could securely access information and services. He disclosed that displaced persons and host communities were being enrolled in the national identity system to facilitate access to banking, education and social services.

He said refugees in five states had received access to land, agricultural inputs and vocational training to strengthen livelihoods and reduce dependence on humanitarian assistance.

The minister urged countries to recognise Nigeria’s convention travel documents and facilitate visa issuance to eligible holders. He called for greater international responsibility-sharing, expanded refugee resettlement opportunities and complementary pathways for displaced populations seeking durable solutions.

Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to international refugee protection while seeking greater financial support for sustainable solutions to displacement across Africa.

UN high commissioner for refugees, Barham Salih, welcomed Nigeria’s initiatives and acknowledged its call for stronger partnerships with regional financial institutions. Mr Salih particularly commended the resettlement communities, digital services, refugee documentation initiatives and Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen national protection systems. 

(NAN)