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More than 7,000 Nigerian refugees voluntarily returned home from neighbouring countries in 2026 under Tripartite Agreements, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, has said.
Doro disclosed this while delivering Nigeria’s national statement at the 77th Session of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Geneva, Switzerland.
The meeting is being held from October 12 to 16, 2026.
The minister said another 14,000 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon had registered their intention to return, while an agreement covering the return of 2,000 Nigerians from Niger was being finalised.
“Over 7,000 Nigerian refugees voluntarily return home this year. The progress to improved security conditions in parts of the country has created opportunities for refugees to return voluntarily.
“Improved security conditions in parts of the country are creating opportunities for voluntary return,” Doro said.
He added that Resettlement Cities established in seven locations were supporting the gradual closure of displacement camps while ensuring that returns took place under safe and dignified conditions.
The minister acknowledged the continued support of Cameroon, Chad and Niger in providing shelter to Nigerians displaced by insecurity and other humanitarian challenges.
He also disclosed that Nigeria had received more than 24,000 returnees as of September 2026 and was managing a population of over 6.7 million internally displaced persons.
Nigeria hosts 142,000 refugees
Doro said Nigeria currently hosts more than 142,000 refugees and asylum seekers from 42 countries.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s commitment to its international refugee protection obligations, noting that the country maintained its asylum system under the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons Act of 2022.
According to the minister, Nigeria recorded no case of refoulement in 2026. Refoulement occurs when refugees or asylum seekers are returned to places where their lives or freedom could be threatened.
Doro also highlighted initiatives aimed at promoting self-reliance and economic inclusion among refugees.
He said refugees in five states were benefiting from access to land, agricultural inputs and skills training, while the NCFRMI’s newly established Public-Private Partnership Department was working to expand livelihood opportunities.
The minister cited the local integration of former Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees, some of whom had established businesses and become economically active members of their host communities.
Government expands access to essential services
Doro said displaced persons and host communities were being enrolled in Nigeria’s national identity system to improve access to banking, education and social services.
He added that refugees were being incorporated into state action plans and social registers.
The minister also disclosed that 10 mobile documentation buses were expected to extend identity services to underserved and remote communities.
In addition, Nigeria was developing a Digital Gateway in collaboration with UNHCR to give refugees secure online access to information.
Doro seeks increased international funding
Addressing pressure on humanitarian financing, the minister called for stronger international responsibility-sharing and innovative funding arrangements to support refugees and displaced persons.
“The responsibility for addressing displacement cannot rest on host countries alone, particularly at a time of increasing humanitarian needs and declining international resources,” he said.
He urged UNHCR to explore partnerships with regional and subregional financial institutions, including the African Development Bank and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, to mobilise additional resources for refugee protection and long-term solutions.
Doro also called on the international community to expand resettlement opportunities and complementary pathways for refugees.
He recalled Nigeria’s reaffirmation in December 2025 of its five pledges made under the Global Compact on Refugees in 2023.
The minister further highlighted the domestication of the Kampala Convention in 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen protection for internally displaced persons.
He urged countries to recognise Nigeria’s Convention Travel Documents and facilitate visa access for holders in line with applicable international obligations.
Congratulating the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Dr Barham Salih, on assuming office, Doro reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with UNHCR and international partners.
He also acknowledged the contributions of former High Commissioner Filippo Grandi and thanked donor countries and organisations supporting refugee protection in Nigeria.
Doro stressed that lasting solutions to displacement required more than immediate humanitarian assistance, calling for coordinated efforts to support voluntary return, local integration, access to essential services and economic self-reliance.
