The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has convened a town hall meeting in Abuja to address the pressing challenges migrants face in Nigeria. This reflects their commitment to understanding the migrant’s challenges and exploring Sustainable Solutions to enhance their well-being and social integration. However, Nigeria currently hosts an estimated 10 million migrants dispersed across the country. While some of this population has successfully integrated and achieved economic progress, many still struggle with limited access to essential services, employment opportunities and social exclusion.
Furthermore, the meeting provided a platform for dialogue between stakeholders and refugees, promoting discussions to identify barriers to stability and economic empowerment. During the meeting, the federal commissioner of NCFRMI assured the migrant community of the government’s commitment to ensuring their safety and well-being. The platform allowed refugees to share their experiences openly, shedding light on the harsh realities they face daily. Refugees from various countries shared stories ranging from economic struggles to Security concerns and difficulties accessing basic services.
Economic hardships and their access to education.
Several migrants reported severe economic challenges, with many unable to secure stable jobs. Some migrants, despite possessing valuable skills and running educational centres, have experienced a decline in patronage due to widespread economic hardship. This situation has made it difficult for them to meet basic needs, including securing three meals daily for their families. Education has also emerged as a critical challenge. Many refugees expressed concerns about the high cost of education, making it difficult for their children to attend private and public schools.
Also, security concerns were widely reported, with many recounting experiences of harassment by security agencies. Some described how they were often targeted despite holding valid documents, with demands for bribes being a common occurrence during security checks. This mistreatment has created a climate of fear and vulnerability among the migrant population, undermining their sense of safety and belonging. In healthcare, several recounted being turned away from public hospitals despite presenting valid identification documents. In many cases, they were compelled to pay exorbitant fees for medical services that should have been accessible.
Refugees struggle to gain legal residency and property rights.
Some reported experiencing long and complicated asylum application processes that could take up to a year to be processed. Others mentioned being denied the right to purchase land despite meeting legal requirements and making financial commitments. The inability to own property has further limited their long-term settlement and Economic Stability opportunities. Women migrants, particularly single mothers and widows, have reported additional layers of hardship. Due to financial constraints, some have been forced to send their children back to their home countries. Many expressed a need for financial assistance to start small businesses to achieve economic independence.
Despite some positive experiences, such as obtaining professional licenses and accessing decent accommodation, many refugees have reported experiencing segregation and racial slurs in their workplaces. Some qualified professionals, particularly in the healthcare sector, have been employed in lower positions despite having the required qualifications. This discrimination has been attributed to their non-Nigerian status, further marginalising an already vulnerable group. Meanwhile, some regions, particularly Lagos, have been praised for offering better support services, including healthcare and skill training programs. In contrast, other regions, such as Abuja, offer limited support, with delayed asylum processing and inadequate Welfare assistance.
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In response to these concerns, the NCFRMI federal commissioner encouraged refugees facing economic hardship in Abuja to consider relocating to nearby states, where the Cost Of Living is lower and Infrastructure is available to support them. The commissioner emphasised the availability of free accommodation in neighbouring states, complete with essential services such as healthcare facilities, police stations, and markets. They further announced plans for more intensive training and Empowerment programs to equip refugees with skills for self-reliance. These initiatives aim to address the economic difficulties while promoting their social inclusion.