Nigeria Protection & Solutions Snapshot

A beneficiary carries blankets and a UNHCR relief package following the distribution of essential non-food items to vulnerable households in Plateau State. © Caritas Nigeria/Christian Sebastine

Every month, UNHCR in Nigeria issues a summary highlighting some key operational updates as we continue our work to protect and find solutions for forcibly displaced persons. This is not exhaustive, and you can reach out to us if you require any further information.

UNHCR Distributes Core Relief Items to Conflict-Affected Families in Plateau State

Bassa  |  Barkin Ladi  |  Riyom LGAs

Following recurrent intercommunal violence and the protracted farmer–herder conflict in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State — which have displaced families, claimed lives, and destroyed homes and household belongings — UNHCR, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, distributed core relief items to vulnerable households between 25 and 27 June 2026.

The affected communities have endured repeated cycles of violence driven by disputes over land and natural resources, resulting in displacement, the loss of livelihoods, and growing humanitarian needs. The distribution of essential non-food items helped address the immediate needs of the most vulnerable households, supporting their dignity and resilience as they recover from the impact of the crisis.

Rebuilding Lives in Benue: Cash Assistance Reaches the Most Vulnerable

Makurdi & Guma LGAs, Benue State

Cash for protection reaching vulnerable displaced households in Benue State. © UNHCR

In Benue State — home to at least 500,000 of Nigeria's 3.8 million internally displaced people — families returning home often face the same question: how do you start over with nothing?

A cash for protection programme led by UNHCR, in partnership with the Government of Nigeria and supported by the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund, is providing a critical lifeline to the most vulnerable households in Makurdi and Guma LGAs, helping them meet urgent needs and rebuild with dignity.

Cash disbursements are already underway, with assessments continuing across additional communities. For many families, this assistance is not just financial relief — it is the first step toward safety and recovery.

→ Read the full story

UNHCR and TGI Group Launch Partnership to Create 10,000 Jobs for Displaced People

Benue & Cross River States

UNHCR and TGI Group launch their three-year partnership. © UNHCR

UNHCR and Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group have launched a three-year partnership to support over 5,000 farmers and create more than 10,000 jobs across Benue and Cross River States. The programme supports farmers from refugee, internally displaced, and host communities.

Participants will receive technical training and structured market access across these value chains. The initiative reflects a broader shift from humanitarian aid toward market-driven solutions that foster dignity and economic independence.

→ Read the full press release

Until Everyone Is Safe: Nigeria Marks World Refugee Day 2026

75th Anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention

World Refugee Day 2026 commemorations across Nigeria. © UNHCR

We extend our sincere gratitude to the embassies, UN agencies, government partners, civil society organizations, and host communities who joined us in commemorating World Refugee Day 2026 across Nigeria. Your support and collaboration made these activities possible and meaningful.

World Refugee Day 2026 held special significance, marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. Under the theme “Until Everyone Is Safe,” UNHCR and partners commemorated the day across Abuja, Benue, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Taraba, Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe — celebrating the resilience of forcibly displaced people and reaffirming commitments to protection and durable solutions.

Nigeria's World Refugee Day 2026 was a powerful testament to what collective commitment can achieve. The engagement of governments, partners, host communities, and refugees themselves reaffirmed that the principles of safety, dignity, and protection remain as urgent — and as achievable — as ever.

Strengthening Regional Ties: UNHCR Regional Bureau Director Presents Credentials to ECOWAS

Abuja  |  3–5 June 2026

During the visit, the Director also met with government representatives and civil society partners, and attended a UNHCR all-staff gathering.

Funding Update — as of 30 June 2026

USD 83 Million required — only 23% funded

This highlights a critical gap and urgent need for additional support to continue delivering life-saving protection and durable solutions to forcibly displaced persons across Nigeria.

Quick Links & Resources

For the latest figures, visit the UNHCR Nigeria Website or the UNHCR Nigeria Data Page

UNHCR appreciates the support of government and private sector donors, which is vital to delivering protection and assistance to those in need.

Donors — Unearmarked & Softly Earmarked Contributions

Australia | Belgium | Denmark | European Union | France | Germany | Ireland | Italy | Netherlands (Kingdom of the) | Norway | Republic of Korea | Sweden | Switzerland | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | United States of America | Central Emergency Response Fund | Australia for UNHCR | España con ACNUR | Japan for UNHCR | Sweden for UNHCR | UK for UNHCR | UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe | and private donors in Italy, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, and in the United Arab Emirates.