ABUJA — The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially reiterated its commitment to maintaining open borders for asylum seekers and upholding the international principle of non-refoulement. This announcement comes ahead of the 2026 World Refugee Day, which marks the 75th anniversary of the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.

Upholding International Obligations

Tijani Ahmed, the Honourable Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), confirmed that Nigeria continues to provide refuge to thousands of displaced individuals from Cameroon and Niger Republic, specifically across frontline states including Benue, Borno, and Cross River.

“Nigeria remains resolved in opening its borders to persons forcefully displaced as a result of conflict,” Ahmed stated, emphasizing that the country will continue to adhere to the fundamental legal protection that prevents the forced return of refugees to territories where their lives or freedom are threatened.

A Call for Strategic Collaboration

While the government maintains its commitment to displaced populations, stakeholders have urged for a more integrated management approach. Reverend Father Sebastian Sanni, Executive Director of the Justice, Development and Peace Caritas Initiative (JDPCI), noted that the scale of the displacement crisis exceeds the government's singular capacity.

“The government cannot do it alone,” Father Sanni noted. He advocated for sophisticated, multi-stakeholder internal mechanisms and a conducive environment that allows non-state actors to provide aid effectively. The JDPCI has played a significant role in this effort, training displaced persons in specialized skills such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and fashion to ensure sustainable livelihoods.

Global Pressures on Asylum Rights

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) highlighted that the global right to seek asylum is currently under significant strain. Representing UNHCR Nigeria, Deputy Representative Bernadette Muteshi reinforced the organization's stance: “Safety should not be a privilege. No one is truly safe until the most vulnerable among us are safe.”

The UNHCR aims to halve the number of refugees trapped in long-term displacement over the next decade by expanding access to:

  • Economic Opportunity: Increasing access to job markets.

  • Essential Services: Providing healthcare and education.

  • Resettlement: Facilitating voluntary repatriation and resettlement programs.

As Nigeria prepares to observe World Refugee Day on Monday, June 22, the message from both the government and humanitarian partners remains clear: the protection of those fleeing persecution is a fundamental, non-negotiable obligation.