The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment towards addressing the issues of the Nigeria-Cameroon border and the Bakassi returnees, saying the development remains a key part of the National Action Plan.

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated this when he received the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in Nigeria, Mr. Arjun Jain, on a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja. 

Tunji-Ojo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by displaced persons in Nigeria, while also strengthening its partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

This is just as the UNHCR has said the latest data showed that out of 120 million displaced persons worldwide, three per cent are Nigerians.

Director of Press & Public Relations, Ozoya Imohimi, in a statement, noted that while welcoming the delegation, the Permanent Secretary said the Ministry of Interior is open to partnerships in areas discussed with the UNHCR.

She added, “We are particularly focused on continuing our collaboration in addressing statelessness and supporting the children of naturalised Nigerians. Stronger cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is essential for the recognition and issuance of bonafide travel documents for these individuals.”

According to her, addressing the issue of the Nigeria-Cameroon border and the Bakassi returnees, remained a key part of the National Action Plan, emphasizing the importance of following through with implementation.

On the matter of livelihood for displaced persons, she proposed a coordinated approach involving the Ministry of Agriculture, the North East Development Commission (NEDC), and other relevant bodies.

“We need a joint implementation committee to devise livelihood solutions tailored to the specific geographical areas of displaced populations,” she explained.

The UNHCR Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Arjun Jain expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Interior for its continuous support towards refugees over the years. “The Ministry of Interior is a crucial partner in our efforts,” he noted.

He shared the latest global data indicating that out of 120 million displaced persons worldwide, three per cent are Nigerians.

“The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and the UNHCR to ensure better support and solutions for refugees and displaced persons in Nigeria.

“To this end, the Department of Citizenship and Business will represent the Ministry on various committees, in collaboration with other ministries, to address the livelihood challenges of displaced persons effectively,” the statement added.