The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons (IDPs), pledging to strengthen policies that promote their welfare, dignity and economic self-reliance in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, made the pledge on Monday in Abuja at the commemoration of World Refugee Day 2026, themed “Until Everyone is Safe.”

Akume said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is integrating humanitarian interventions with long-term development strategies aimed at helping displaced persons rebuild their lives and become economically independent.

“The Federal Government is deliberately shifting from palliatives to pathways by linking humanitarian response to development opportunities. We are committed to ensuring that displaced persons not only survive but thrive through access to livelihoods, agribusiness opportunities, education and social protection programmes,” he said.

The SGF disclosed that Nigeria currently hosts more than 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers, largely from countries within the Lake Chad Basin, while millions of Nigerians remain internally displaced by insecurity and other humanitarian crises.

According to him, the government’s response is anchored on three pillars, protection, livelihoods and durable solutions, implemented through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).

Akume noted that climate-induced displacement, insecurity and protracted conflicts continue to increase humanitarian challenges globally, making stronger international cooperation imperative.

He stressed that refugees and internally displaced persons should not be viewed merely as victims but as people with immense potential who deserve dignity, opportunities and support.

The SGF also announced plans to expand the National Social Register to capture more vulnerable persons, including displaced populations and host communities, to ensure targeted, transparent and data-driven humanitarian assistance.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, praised the resilience of refugees and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international humanitarian principles and global best practices.

He called on governments, development partners, humanitarian organisations and host communities to intensify efforts toward providing protection, durable solutions and sustainable opportunities for self-reliance.

Earlier, the Federal Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, said solidarity with refugees must go beyond sympathy to concrete actions that safeguard their rights and dignity.

He maintained that effective protection includes access to quality education, healthcare, decent shelter, legal identity, social services and meaningful participation in society, urging stakeholders to deepen collaboration in addressing the needs of displaced populations.