National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing Nigeria’s ongoing displacement crisis by promoting sustainable solutions. During a recent high-level visit to the country, UNHCR officials emphasized the need for a comprehensive, government-led approach that involves a wide range of stakeholders, including the United Nations, development partners, member states, and the private sector.
Raouf Mazou, UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, and Ruven Menikdiwela, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, drew attention to the plight of 3.7 million forcibly displaced people in Nigeria. They highlighted the urgent need to accelerate efforts towards self-reliance for these individuals, who have been displaced by conflict and communal clashes.
Mazou commended the Nigerian government for upholding its international legal obligations by welcoming over 100,000 asylum-seekers and refugees from nearly 50 countries. He also stressed the importance of helping displaced communities rebuild their lives through livelihood opportunities, rather than relying on long-term humanitarian aid.
“Sustainable solutions mean supporting the government in getting displaced communities back to work, ensuring they have access to essential services, and working with the private sector to create value chains,” Mazou said. “We cannot allow this protracted situation to continue, with families dependent on assistance year after year.”
The delegation visited Benue State in the north-central region and Borno State in the northeast, where they met with returnees from Cameroon. Since the start of the year, over 30,000 people have returned to their communities, and efforts are underway to integrate them into social and economic activities.
Ruven Menikdiwela emphasized that “solutions are the highest form of protection,” calling for collaboration among humanitarian, development, and peace partners.
UNHCR Representative in Nigeria, Arjun Jain, added that while the agency remains prepared to respond to humanitarian emergencies, it will focus on supporting the government in finding lasting solutions to forced displacement. Abdouraouf Gnon-Konde, UNHCR’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, also participated in the visit, underscoring the need for sustainable solutions across the region.
