From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has highlighted Nigeria’s exemplary treatment of refugees and discussing plans to enhance support and transition towards sustainable development strategies.
The UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Operations Raouf Mazou gave the commendation during a courtesy visit by his delegation to meet with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja.
According to a statement issued by Vice President’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, the UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, expressed gratitude to Nigeria for receiving a large number of refugees, primarily from Cameroon.
He praised Nigeria’s efforts, stating, “Nigeria has been exemplary in its treatment of refugees. The host communities are playing an essential role in making sure that these persons are resettled.”
To support Nigeria’s refugee programmes, Mazou mentioned that UNHCR would access facilities from the World Bank, which has a dedicated fund for refugees and host communities. This additional support aims to primarily help host communities.
According to him, UNHCR is now focusing on a shift from providing humanitarian assistance to development, ensuring that people become more self-reliant as much as possible. This new approach, he adds aims to address long-standing issues of dependency on aid and facilitate easier reintegration when refugees return to their home countries.
“We are working with the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation to tap into the resources of the private sector for this sustainable programming. We are moving away from humanitarian assistance to solutions,” Mazou said.
Regarding voluntary repatriation, he noted that a good number of Nigerian refugees in neighbouring countries are returning, and UNHCR is ensuring the voluntary return of those who want to go home.
Shettima on his part, assured donor organizations and development partners of the Bola Tinubu administration’s unwavering support for initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of persons displaced by conflict and natural disasters within and outside Nigeria’s borders.
Commending the UN system for its assistance to Nigeria over the years, Shettima stated, “I know how vital the UN system is. You have assisted us tremendously in addressing our challenges in the northeast and the nation as a whole.”
He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to collaborating with key stakeholders in addressing critical issues affecting the well-being of citizens and other persons affected by conflict and natural disasters in Nigeria and beyond.
“For Nigeria, we will continue to accommodate our brother Africans displaced by conflict and natural disasters. I want to assure you that our partnership with the UN family will only be strengthened. We are open to new ideas for collaboration, especially the UN’s emphasis on sustainable resettlement of refugees. By embracing sustainable pathways in resettling people, we can avoid donor fatigue,” the Vice President emphasized.
Shettima acknowledged the difficulties faced in the Sahelian region, noting the intricate relationship between ecology, economy, and insecurity, further compounded by endemic poverty and the fallout of climate change.
Despite the unique challenges experienced in the country, the Vice President assured that “the President is working round the clock to get things right. We are trying to diversify the economic base of the nation. We are working assiduously to fine-tune the structure.”
UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Ms. Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, commended Nigeria’s adherence to international conventions on refugees, stating, “This example shows how important it is for each country on our continent to do the same, and I hope others will follow.”
Also present at the meeting were the UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall; UNHCR Director, Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa, Abdouraouf Gnon-Konde; Senior External Engagement Coordinator, Bureau for West and Central Africa, Lara Scholtterbeck; UNHCR Representative to Nigeria, Arjun Jain, and Associate Protection Officer, Olubunmi Olaonipekun, among others.