Vice President Kashim Shettima stated on Wednesday that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to supporting efforts that ease the hardships of Nigerians displaced by conflicts and natural disasters, both within Nigeria and beyond its borders.
Shettima provided this assurance during a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he met with a delegation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees led by Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, Mr. Raouf Mazou.
In a statement titled ‘We won’t abandon displaced persons – VP Shettima,’ Shettima’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, shared details of the meeting that took place on Wednesday.
Expressing gratitude for the UN system’s continuous support to Nigeria, the Vice President acknowledged the vital role the UN has played in addressing challenges in the northeast region and the country as a whole.
He reassured the delegation of Tinubu’s ongoing collaboration with key stakeholders to address crucial issues affecting citizens and others impacted by conflicts and natural disasters, both locally and internationally.
“Nigeria will continue to support African brothers displaced by conflicts and natural disasters. Our partnership with the UN family will only grow stronger, and we are open to new collaboration ideas, particularly focusing on sustainable refugee resettlement to prevent donor fatigue,” emphasized the VP.
Shettima highlighted the interconnected challenges of ecology, economy, and insecurity in the Sahel region, attributing these issues to endemic poverty exacerbated by the effects of climate change.
He reassured that the government is addressing these challenges diligently, working towards economic diversification and structural improvements.
Earlier in the meeting, Mazou praised Nigeria’s treatment of refugees and discussed plans to enhance support and transition towards sustainable development strategies.
He expressed gratitude to Nigeria for hosting a significant number of refugees, particularly from Cameroon, emphasizing the positive role of host communities in refugee resettlement efforts.
Mazou mentioned a shift towards development-focused strategies to promote self-reliance and reduce dependency on aid, facilitating easier reintegration for refugees returning to their home countries.
He mentioned collaborative efforts with the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation to leverage private sector resources for sustainable programming aimed at long-term solutions rather than humanitarian aid.
The focus is now on voluntary repatriation, ensuring those willing to return home from neighboring countries can do so voluntarily, with a shift towards sustainable solutions and development.
Ms. Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, the assistant High Commissioner for Protection, commended Nigeria for its adherence to international conventions during the meeting.
Other attendees at the meeting included UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall; UNHCR Director, Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa, Abdouraouf Gnon-Konde; and Senior External Engagement Coordinator, Bureau for West and Central Africa, Ms. Lara Scholtterbeck, among others.