As of July 2024, over 23,465 foreign nationals, the majority of them children, have sought asylum in Nigeria.
According to findings revealed by The PUNCH on Saturday., this figure includes 5,629 urban refugees and 17,836 asylum seekers.
Data from the United Nations Human Rights Council in Nigeria reveals that the majority of asylum seekers have come from conflict-ridden countries such as Cameroon, Syria, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lebanon, Chad, Palestine, and Sudan.
Notably, Sudan has been embroiled in clashes between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 2023.
The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons indicated that out of the total number of asylum seekers, 15,908 are Cameroonian nationals, 988 are from Syria, 254 from the Central African Republic, and 292 from Sudan.
Additionally, asylum seekers include 81 from the DRC, 36 from Chad, 46 Palestinians, and 103 from various other countries.
Among these asylum seekers, 9,430 are children, while 5,689 are men and 2,706 are women, demonstrating the significant vulnerability of minors in these crises.
Since August 2022, over 22,000 individuals from Cameroon have fled to Nigeria, with most settling in Adamawa State’s local government areas of Madagali, Mubi North, Mubi South, and Michika.
The report highlighted that, “With the ongoing L2 registration exercise in Adamawa State, 14,736 asylum-seekers have been registered by UNHCR and NCFRMI as part of the response to the influx of asylum-seekers from Cameroon,” a country embroiled in the protracted Ambazonian conflict.
Since the war began in September 2017, over 700,000 Cameroonians have been displaced, as reported by various human rights organizations.
Also, Nigeria has witnessed an increase in urban refugees, with 5,629 individuals seeking shelter in the country by July 2024.
This group includes 1,374 Cameroonians, 1,438 from Niger, 940 from CAR, 538 from the DRC, 510 from Syria, 416 from Türkiye, 82 from Mali, 55 from Chad, and 276 from other nations.
According to UNHCR data, these urban refugees consist of 2,047 men, 1,537 women, and 2,045 children, with the majority falling within the age bracket of 18 to 59 years.
Notably, June 2024 recorded the highest number of refugee and asylum-seeker registrations, highlighting the growing need for protection.
However, the UNHCR’s data pointed to a very low desire for repatriation among urban refugees, as “only two repatriated over a three-year period,” reflecting the continued insecurity in their home countries.
As a signatory to the 1951 Geneva Convention, Nigeria extends refugee status and asylum to individuals fleeing persecution and violence in their home countries.
In line with this, the Nigeria Immigration Service issued the first set of Convention Travel Documents, also referred to as Refugee Passports, in May 2019.
These documents, produced for individuals under Nigeria’s protection through the NCFRMI, allow holders to legally reside in Nigeria or any of the other 148 countries that are signatories to the treaty.
The UNHCR adds that “during mass movements of refugees, usually as a result of conflict or violence, it is not always possible or necessary to conduct individual asylum procedures and interview every asylum-seeker,” underscoring the complexity of managing large-scale displacements.
Speaking on the influx of asylum seekers, former Nigerian Ambassador to Singapore, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, emphasized the need for caution and vigilance in handling the refugee situation.
He stated, “Given the situation we face in Nigeria, the relevant agencies should have their eyes peeled to watch out for people who might be used to infiltrate the Nigerian space for any negative objectives and agenda,” urging border control agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service to be on high alert.
