The repatriation of an estimated 400,000 refugees stranded in Cameroon, Niger, and Chad is giving the Federal Government some concerns.
Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, at a Technical Working Group meeting in Abuja disclosed that 3,000 refugees were successfully returned last week through the collaborative efforts of Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and the technical working group. He added that further repatriation efforts were ongoing.
The federal commissioner highlighted that the tripartite agreement had been reviewed, with necessary steps being considered to ensure a smooth continuation of the repatriation process.
He acknowledged the vital role played by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in facilitating the exercise and stressed that discussions were ongoing to sustain progress.
Ahmed stated that the Technical Working Group was assessing past actions and planning future steps, including securing support from both the government and international partners.
“The goal is to ensure that this repatriation exercise becomes a continuous process in the coming weeks,” he said.
While reaffirming the government’s commitment, Ahmed emphasized the importance of stronger support from local authorities and key stakeholders, particularly international partners.
He noted that the government was actively reviewing all necessary processes to ensure a seamless return of refugees.
“We have not less than 400,000 refugees across these zones – Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. 3,000 refugees were returned last week Sunday through the efforts of the governor of Borno.
“We have reviewed the processes here and identified what needs to be done before the continuation of this repatriation. UNHCR is key in this direction as the third party in the repatriation exercise.
“We hope that in the next few weeks, this repatriation will commence and we will continue the exercise,” he said.
Bernadette Muteshi, Deputy Representative of UNHCR, reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting the repatriation, deportation, and welfare of internally displaced persons.
Muteshi emphasized that the role of the Technical Working Group was to assist governments in implementing the tripartite agreement effectively.
“What will be different this time is that we are placing greater responsibility on the governments to take leadership and ownership of the process.
“We are here to walk alongside both governments to ensure that the terms of the tripartite agreement are followed and implemented,” she said.
With all stakeholders aligned, efforts are intensifying to ensure the smooth and safe return of Nigerian refugees in the coming weeks.
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