Abuja: The Federal Government has announced its ongoing efforts to repatriate 15,000 Nigerians who are currently stranded in countries such as Cameroon, Niger, Chad, and other parts of the world. The aim is to ensure their return to Nigeria with safety and dignity.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner for the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), revealed this information during a media briefing in Abuja. Ahmed highlighted that approximately six million people are currently displaced within Nigeria, while thousands more are living as refugees in other countries.

Ahmed stated, "We have 15,000 Nigerians that want to return to the country voluntarily and we also have not less than 100,000 foreigners living in this country as refugees. All these are the responsibilities of the commission, to give them support." He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the support extended to the commission and the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry in facilitating the safe return of displaced persons.

Furthermore, Ahmed disclosed that Nigeria is set to host the first thematic meeting under its chairmanship of the Rabat Process, with more than 100 delegates from the 57 partner countries expected to attend. Nigeria assumed the chairmanship of the Rabat Process, a Euro-African dialogue on migration and development, in January 2025. The meeting, scheduled for May 13 and May 14, will focus on the theme 'Youth, Innovation and Education: Driving the Future of Migration' and aims to foster bilateral discussions leading to improved migration governance.

Ahmed emphasized the importance of these platforms for knowledge transfer and better migration management, noting that Nigeria's leadership in the Rabat Process, though limited to a one-year term, offers significant advantages. He also addressed the challenges in managing migration, particularly the need for effective advocacy to educate younger generations on legal migration pathways and the risks associated with irregular migration.

He remarked, "There is a need to educate migrants about the consequences of irregular migration, including negative outcomes. The focus should be on advocating for legal migration pathways to reduce the number of irregular migrants. Regular migration involves moving through legal channels, while irregular migration often involves dangerous and illegal methods. Irregular migration can lead to hardship and danger, with many migrants unable to return to their home country."

Ahmed concluded by calling for improved coordination and support from various stakeholders, including the media, to enhance migration governance and ensure the safe and dignified return of displaced Nigerians.