FG to expand National Social Register for displaced persons, host communities
The Federal Government says it will expand the National Social Register to capture more displaced persons and host communities, to enable data-driven and dignified humanitarian assistance.
The announcement was made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, on 22 June 2026 in Abuja during the commemoration of World Refugee Day 2026, themed “Until Everyone is Safe.”
Akume stated that the Tinubu administration is shifting from short-term palliatives to pathways that link humanitarian response to development opportunities. The goal is to help refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons rebuild their lives and become self-reliant.
“The Federal Government is deliberately linking humanitarian response to development opportunities. We are committed to ensuring that displaced persons not only survive but thrive through access to livelihoods, agribusiness, education, and social protection programmes,” the SGF said.
He explained that Nigeria currently hosts over 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from the Lake Chad Basin region, while millions of Nigerians remain internally displaced due to conflict, insecurity, and climate-related shocks.
In a statement, Chris Ugwuegbulam, Head of Press and Public Relations, OSGF, said the government’s response is anchored on three pillars: protection, livelihoods, and durable solutions, implemented through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).
Akume added that expanding the National Social Register will improve targeting, transparency, and coverage of vulnerable populations, including displaced persons and host communities.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, commended the resilience of refugees and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international humanitarian principles.
He called on governments, development partners, and host communities to strengthen efforts toward protection, durable solutions, and opportunities for self-reliance.
The Federal Commissioner and CEO of NCFRMI, Hon. Aliyu Ahmed asserted that solidarity must go beyond sympathy to practical commitments. He stressed that protection should include access to education, healthcare, shelter, legal identity, and meaningful participation in society.
