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Nigeria

West and Central Africa

Nigeria

UNHCR’s strategy in Nigeria centres on collective impact, sustainable solutions, and strengthened protection for displaced people affected by protracted crises, climate-related disasters, and communal violence.

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From left to right, Fatila Lawan, Rukaya Abdullahi and Aisha Muhammed playing together in El Miskin Camp, Maiduguri.

By the end of 2024, Nigeria hosted 127,000 refugees and asylum-seekers from 41 countries, with most living in host communities. The country also faced 3.5 million internally displaced people (IDPs) and supported the return of around 50,000 IDPs and refugees. Despite inflation reaching 34% and continued displacement driven by conflict, insecurity, and climate disasters, Nigeria maintained a favourable protection environment. The Government made notable progress toward the Global Compact on Refugees, including refugee inclusion in social services and development plans, and access to land for agriculture.

UNHCR worked closely with national authorities and the private sector to advance sustainable, protection-based solutions and improve the resilience of displaced populations. In 2024, severe floods in the northeast affected over 480,000 people, including tens of thousands in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. Amid ongoing violence and displacement, nearly 400,000 Nigerian refugees remain in neighbouring countries, while thousands of Cameroonian refugees continue to arrive in Nigeria. UNHCR also supported voluntary repatriation efforts, including the return of over 111,000 Ivorian refugees since 2011.

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Nigeria

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Strategy - Country

For information about our work in Nigeria:

Refworld

Find legislation, case law and UNHCR policy relating to claims for international protection.

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Office contact details

For information about our operation in Nigeria, please contact us through our Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.