TheCable

The federal government says a total of 72,999 persons are currently registered as refugees in the country.

Iman Ibrahim, federal commissioner for the national refugees commission, disclosed this at a programme organised to mark the 2021 International Refugee Day in Abuja on Sunday.

According to the commissioner, some of the refugees are people seeking asylum.

“As of today, we have 72,999 registered refugees with the federal republic of Nigeria. And as of today in Abuja, we have over 700 refugees,” he said.

“Some of these refugees are asylum seekers, while some have attained their citizens’ status. We love them all”.

Speaking on the commemoration of the refugee day, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the programme was aimed at “lighting up the city gate, an honour which shows that Nigeria is a refugee-friendly country”.

She added that the programme is to further reaffirm the commitment of the commission towards the plight of refugees in the country.

“Every June 20 has been designated by the United Nations to celebrate the international day for refugees. This lighting is, therefore, part of the celebrations,” she said.

According to NAN, the federal commissioner explained the importance of the celebration to Nigeria, saying the country is fulfilling the obligations of the 2019 global refugee forum held in Geneva, Switzerland.

She praised the refugees for their resilience, and urged them to concentrate on their desired endeavours.

The International Refugee Day is celebrated worldwide on June 20 every year.