🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Nigeria sees rise in asylum-seekers, reduction in refugee registration backlog
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Nigeria experienced a 21 percent increase in newly arrived asylum-seekers, totaling 322 additional persons, during the first quarter of 2026. Concurrently, the backlog of refugees awaiting formal registration decreased by 3,613 within the same period. Data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR and the Federal Government, through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, indicates that the total refugee and asylum-seeker population in Nigeria slightly reduced from 142,064 in December 2025 to 138,900 by March 2026. The primary driver of refugee flows into Nigeria remains the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon, with Cameroonians accounting for 86 percent of the total refugee population. Most of these refugees are concentrated along the border states, particularly Cross River, Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, and Akwa Ibom. The second-largest group originates from Niger Republic, though their numbers decreased during the quarter due to voluntary return movements. Other source countries include Syria, Sudan, and the Central African Republic. Women constitute 57 percent of the refugee population, children under 17 make up approximately 50 percent, and the elderly account for five percent. The Federal Government has granted Temporary Protection Status to 86,000 Cameroonian refugees through June 2027. A former Nigerian Ambassador to Singapore, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, emphasized Nigeria's international obligations to asylum-seekers while also
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Donald Trump joked about seeking a fourth term as President of the United States during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington DC. Speaking at the rescheduled event at the Waldorf Astoria, Trump wore a red “Trump 2028” cap and stated his intention to run for a fourth term, calling it a “scoop.” He also claimed victory in the 2020 election, which he lost to Joe Biden, referring to it as a “rigged election.” The 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution limits a president to two terms, making a fourth term constitutionally impossible. This marked Trump’s first attendance at the annual dinner as president, having boycotted it previously. The event was postponed from April due to gunfire, which led to an evacuation and the arrest of a suspect. The rescheduled dinner was held with increased security at the Waldorf Astoria, a change from its usual venue at the Washington Hilton.
Must ReadAt least 20,966 Nigerian health workers, including doctors, nurses, and other specialists, relocated abroad within one year, with the UK, US, Canada, and Saudi Arabia being primary destinations, according to the State of Health of the Nation Report 2025. In other news, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo for comments made following the death of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba, accusing Obasanjo of exploiting Na’Abba’s memory for political purposes. Atiku stated that Obasanjo’s claim of bribing Na’Abba to orchestrate impeachment moves was false and disrespectful to the deceased. Additionally, Wigwe University and former employees are in dispute over allegations of arbitrary dismissal, workplace abuse, and poor labor practices, with affected staff claiming terminations occurred without due process. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has also begun disbursing June and July upkeep allowances to student beneficiaries, with payments being processed in batches. Finally, four police officers in Ondo State have been arrested and are under investigation after a viral video showed them making ethnically insensitive remarks to a motorist on the Lagos–Benin Expressway.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar Dias, known as Vozinha, has signed with Chilean football club Colo Colo. The 40-year-old gained prominence during the 2026 FIFA World Cup for his performances against Spain and Argentina. Although the transfer is not yet formally completed, Colo Colo teased the signing on social media. Aníbal Mosa, president of Blanco y Negro, the company managing Colo Colo, confirmed Vozinha will travel to Chile soon for medical examinations and a presentation at Estadio Monumental. Mosa noted that Vozinha's World Cup displays earned him the move and will also enhance the club's commercial appeal. Vozinha, who left Portuguese club Chaves before the World Cup, was selected for FIFA's fan-selected World Cup Dream Team. He captained Cape Verde, helping them achieve a goalless draw against Spain and pushing Argentina into extra time in the Round of 32. His World Cup performance significantly increased his social media following.