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Who we are

Who we are

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organisation dedicated to protecting people forced to flee conflict, violence, persecution and human rights violations, as well as those who are stateless.

UNHCR saves lives, safeguards rights and helps people build better futures by providing protection, assistance and durable solutions.

A UNHCR staff member supports a Nigerian refugee during her voluntary return to Banki, Borno State, Nigeria. © UNHCR/Iliya Ishira

UNHCR in Nigeria

Nigeria faces complex displacement situations driven by conflict, insecurity and other protection risks. The country is home to more than 3.7 million internally displaced people, over 140,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, and more than 24,000 refugee returnees. The scale and complexity of these displacement situations continue to drive humanitarian and protection needs across the country.

Working under the leadership of the Government of Nigeria, UNHCR provides protection and emergency assistance, strengthens national systems, promotes inclusion in education, health and livelihoods, and supports durable solutions through voluntary return, local integration, self-reliance and complementary pathways. Working closely with government institutions, humanitarian and development partners, the private sector and affected communities, UNHCR helps ensure that people forced to flee can access protection, essential services and opportunities to rebuild their lives.