The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing Statelessness and challenges faced by displaced persons in Nigeria.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed this when the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) delegation led by its Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Arjun Jain, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ozoya Imohimi and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA, the Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aishetu Gogo Ndayako said the move was to strengthen the existing partnership with the UN refugee agency.
“The Ministry of Interior is open to partnerships in areas discussed with the UNHCR.
“We are particularly focused on continuing our collaboration in addressing statelessness and supporting the children of naturalised Nigerians.
“Stronger cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is essential for the recognition and issuance of bonafide travel documents for these individuals,” he said.
Addressing the issue of the Nigeria-Cameroon border and the Bakassi Returnees, the Minister assured that it remains a key part of the National Action Plan, emphasizing the importance of following through with implementation.
On the matter of livelihood for displaced persons, Tunji-Ojo proposed a coordinated approach involving the Ministry of Agriculture, the North East Development Commission (NEDC), and other relevant bodies.
“We need a joint implementation committee to devise livelihood solutions tailored to the specific geographical areas of displaced populations,” he said.
Leader of the UNHCR delegation, Mr. Arjun Jain said out of 120 million displaced persons worldwide, three per cent are Nigerians.
He however, expressed their desire for continuous support towards addressing refugees related matters in the country.
“The Ministry of Interior is a crucial partner in our efforts,” he noted.
The meeting came to a close with a mutual commitment to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and the UNHCR to ensure better support and solutions for refugees and displaced persons in Nigeria.
