Nigeria shelters over 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers, government committed to protection and welfare
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
Nigeria is currently hosting over 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from countries within the Lake Chad Basin region, while millions of Nigerians are internally displaced due to various humanitarian crises. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, announced this on Monday in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 World Refugee Day. He stated that President Bola Tinubu's administration is dedicated to the protection, welfare, and empowerment of these populations, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Federal Government's strategy focuses on protection, livelihoods, and durable solutions, implemented through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons. Akume highlighted a shift from palliative measures to long-term development strategies, aiming to help displaced persons thrive through access to livelihoods, agribusiness, education, and social protection programs. He also emphasized the need for stronger international cooperation to address climate-induced displacement, insecurity, and conflicts. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, commended the resilience of refugees and reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to international humanitarian principles. Federal Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of NCFRMI, Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, called for practical commitments beyond sympathy, ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, shelter, legal identity, and social serv
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Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom have lauded the Federal Government's recent passport reforms, particularly the contactless renewal system, for significantly reducing delays and streamlining the passport delivery process. Introduced in November 2024, the new system enables eligible individuals to renew expired or exhausted passports from home, eliminating the need for physical visits to the Nigerian High Commission. Testimonies from various Nigerian community members across the UK, as reported by the Ministry of Interior, highlight a stark contrast to previous experiences marked by frustrating delays, extensive travel, and bureaucratic hurdles. Timileyin Gbenga, a Nigerian community figure in Birmingham, noted that while the traditional process took over six months and required travel for biometrics, the contactless method for a family member resulted in passport delivery in less than two weeks. He credited the transformation to the leadership of Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo under President Bola Tinubu's administration. Gbenga Ogunderu, based in Coventry, described the initiative as a significant digital shift, allowing applications and doorstep delivery without stress, often within two weeks. Dr. Adekunle Shonola, a senior lecturer at Coventry University and president of Nigerians in Coventry, recalled the previous necessity of traveling from Coventry to London for biometrics, a process that often took over six months. He observed that community members no
At Hallmark Health Service Limited Hallmark HMO鈥檚 Stakeholders Engagement 5.0 in Lagos, participants emphasized the need for stronger collaboration, sustainable financing, innovation, and trust among stakeholders to build a resilient healthcare system in Nigeria. Olumide Ajomale, an Organisational Development Consultant and keynote speaker, highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that no healthcare system succeeds in isolation, stressing that sustainability is a collaborative achievement involving hospitals, HMOs, regulators, technology providers, and the government. He noted that Nigeria's healthcare ecosystem faces both opportunities and challenges, including significant healthcare inflation. Ajomale proposed collaboration, strengthened financial capacity, stakeholder trust, regulatory support for a sustainable operating environment, and positive consumer experience as solutions. Adeogun Oladotun, Managing Director of Hallmark HMO, stated that the forum aimed to discuss the future of the healthcare industry, envisioning a future built on collaboration that addresses financing, the health system, the regulatory environment, and wellness. Oladotun urged healthcare providers to adopt technology and become more human-centered, criticizing the dismissal of enrollees without offering solutions. Eddie Efekoha, Chairman of Hallmark Health Services Limited, added that Nigeria鈥檚 evolving healthcare landscape requires collective action to create an accessible, affordable,
Eight people have died in a violent clash between farmers and herders in Gulma town, Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The incident began when a farmer was reportedly stabbed to death by a Fulani herder while working on his farmland. This led to a reprisal by members of the farming community, who allegedly attacked nearby Fulani settlements, resulting in eight fatalities and increased tension. Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the incident, stating it occurred around 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Security operatives intervened to control the situation, rescuing four injured individuals who were treated and discharged. Usman reported that normalcy has been restored, with security personnel deployed to maintain peace. He urged residents to remain calm and use appropriate channels for grievances instead of resorting to violence.