Nigeria will not abandon displaced persons, says VP Shettima

… As UN applauds President Tinubu’s progressive refugee policies

By Kunle Sanni

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured that the Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its support for initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of individuals displaced by conflict and natural disasters, both within Nigeria and beyond its borders.

During a meeting on Wednesday with a delegation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), led by Assistant High Commissioner for Operations Raouf Mazou, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima expressed the government’s commitment to working closely with donor organizations and development partners.

Acknowledging the vital role the UN has played in supporting Nigeria, particularly in addressing challenges in the northeast, the Vice President stated, “The UN system has been instrumental in helping us tackle our challenges, not just in the northeast but across the nation.”

He assured the UNHCR delegation of continued collaboration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership to address the critical needs of citizens and others affected by conflict and natural disasters.

“For Nigeria, we will continue to accommodate our African brothers 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 the sustainable resettlement of refugees. By embracing sustainable pathways in resettling people, we can avoid donor fatigue,” the Vice President emphasized.

Senator Shettima acknowledged the complexity of the situation in the Sahel region, noting that “there is an intricate relationship between ecology, economy, and insecurity in the Sahel. Endemic poverty is further compounded by the fallout of climate change.”

He highlighted the uniqueness of the challenges Nigeria faces but assured that “the President is working round the clock to get things right. We are trying to diversify the nation’s economic base and are working assiduously to fine-tune the structure.”

Earlier, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, Mr. Mazou, praised Nigeria’s exemplary treatment of refugees and discussed plans for enhancing support and transitioning towards sustainable development strategies.

Mr. Mazou expressed gratitude to Nigeria, saying, “I would like to thank Nigeria for receiving a large number of refugees primarily from Cameroon.”

He continued: “Nigeria has been exemplary in its treatment of refugees. The host communities play a crucial role in ensuring these persons are resettled.

“The World Bank has a facility for refugees and host communities, and we will be accessing these facilities to bring additional support, primarily to assist the host communities.

“We are now focusing on a shift from providing humanitarian assistance to development, making sure that people become as self-reliant as possible.”

According to him, this new approach 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,” he said.

On the issue of voluntary repatriation, he said, “A good number of Nigerian refugees in neighboring countries are returning. As much as possible, we are ensuring the voluntary return of those who want to go home.”

Also, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Ms. Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, commended Nigeria’s adherence to international conventions.

She said, “We should be grateful that Nigeria is adhering to international conventions on refugees. This example shows how important it is for each country on our continent to do the same, and I hope others will follow.

“I have encouraged governments to accept refugees and treat them better, and it’s refreshing to see a change where we do not alienate these vulnerable people.”

Also present at the meeting were the UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall; UNHCR Director, Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa, Abdouraouf Gnon-Konde; Senior External Engagement Coordinator, Bureau for West and Central Africa, Ms. Lara Scholtterbeck; UNHCR Representative to Nigeria, Mr. Arjun Jain, and Associate Protection Officer, Olubunmi Olaonipekun, among others.