By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu places strong emphasis on human capital development, social protection, economic inclusion and national cohesion as part of efforts to provide lasting solutions for refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable populations across Nigeria.
Akume stated this on Monday in Abuja during the commemoration of World Refugee Day 2026 and the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, held at the ECOWAS Commission Auditorium, Asokoro, under the theme, “Until Everyone is Safe,” with the sub-theme,
“Stakeholder Dialogue on Protection, Solutions and Solidarity.”
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the SGF said the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening policies and institutions that promote the protection, inclusion and empowerment of displaced persons while ensuring respect for their rights and dignity.
He noted that World Refugee Day serves as a reminder of the plight of millions of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, violence, disasters and other humanitarian crises, stressing that governments and stakeholders must work together to guarantee their safety and wellbeing.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda places a stronger focus on human capital development, social protection, economic inclusion and national cohesion.
These priorities align closely with the aspirations of displaced populations who seek not charity but opportunity, not dependence but empowerment, and not exclusion but belonging,” Akume said.
According to him, Nigeria has continued to demonstrate leadership in humanitarian response by hosting refugees from neighbouring countries while addressing the needs of millions of internally displaced persons affected by insecurity, communal conflicts and climate-related challenges.
He emphasized that displacement is not only a humanitarian concern but also a development, governance and security challenge requiring long-term and sustainable solutions.
Akume called for stronger collaboration among governments, international organizations, civil society groups, development partners, host communities and displaced persons themselves, insisting that durable solutions can only be achieved through collective action and shared responsibility.
“No single institution or government can address displacement challenges alone. Sustainable solutions require meaningful partnerships and the active participation of displaced persons whose experiences must shape policy and implementation,” he said.
The SGF also paid tribute to host communities across Nigeria for their hospitality and compassion towards refugees and displaced persons, while commending humanitarian workers, security agencies and development partners for their continued support.
Earlier, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), represented by Benedicta, described the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention as a significant milestone in global efforts to protect refugees.
She said the convention remains the cornerstone of refugee protection and reaffirmed the commitment of the international community to ensuring that displaced persons are treated with dignity and given opportunities to rebuild their lives.
“To every refugee and internally displaced person, your struggle has not been in vain. You are not a burden; you are teachers, traders, lawyers, nurses, engineers and contributors to society,” she said.
In his opening remarks, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Dr. Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, reiterated the commission’s commitment to advancing protection, dignity and durable solutions for displaced populations.
He disclosed that the commission is implementing the National Action Plan on Durable Solutions, expanding access to health insurance and social assistance programmes, and strengthening partnerships with states hosting displaced persons.
Ahmed called on development partners, the private sector and regional bodies such as ECOWAS and the African Union to support initiatives that promote self-reliance and economic inclusion for refugees and IDPs.
Also speaking, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting humanitarian operations, migration management and border security in line with international standards and human dignity.
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Kaigama, urged governments, humanitarian organisations and faith-based groups to deepen efforts aimed at protecting refugees and addressing the root causes of displacement.
Kaigama noted that behind every refugee statistic is a human story of families seeking safety, children in need of education and individuals striving for a better future.
The event brought together government officials, humanitarian agencies, diplomats, development partners, civil society organisations, faith leaders and representatives of displaced communities who renewed calls for stronger protection systems, increased solidarity and durable solutions for refugees and internally displaced persons across Nigeria and the West African region.
Participants agreed that achieving the vision of “Until Everyone is Safe” would require sustained investment in peace, inclusion, protection and economic opportunities for displaced populations.
