The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the protection, inclusion, and empowerment of refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and other vulnerable populations as stakeholders gathered in Abuja to commemorate World Refugee Day 2026. The High-Level Dialogue on Refugee Protection, Solutions and Solidarity, held at the ECOWAS Commission Auditorium, Asokoro, Abuja, on Sunday brought together senior government officials, diplomatic representatives, development partners, humanitarian organisations, civil society groups, and refugee representatives to reflect on the global displacement crisis and chart pathways towards sustainable solutions. The event was held under the theme, “Until Everyone Is Safe.” Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, described World Refugee Day as an important occasion for reflection, solidarity, and renewed commitment to the protection of displaced populations across the world. Senator Akume noted that this year’s commemoration coincides with the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, describing the landmark international instrument as the foundation of global refugee protection. He stressed that the theme reflects the collective responsibility of governments, institutions, and communities to ensure that every displaced person can live in safety, dignity, and hope. He acknowledged Nigeria’s longstanding humanitarian tradition and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening institutional and policy frameworks through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), while expanding social protection, economic inclusion, livelihood support, and community resilience programmes for displaced populations. In his address, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, said the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention presents an opportunity to renew global commitment to the principles of protection, solidarity, and human dignity. Dr. Doro disclosed that the Federal Government is strengthening the National Social Register and expanding social protection interventions to better capture vulnerable populations, including displaced persons and host communities. He also emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to integrating livelihood opportunities, skills acquisition, and economic empowerment into humanitarian programming. “Protection without opportunity is limited. We want people not only to survive displacement but to graduate from vulnerability to self-sufficiency and resilience,” the Minister stated. The Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Hon. Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, described World Refugee Day as a reminder that safety, dignity, and protection for displaced populations can only be achieved through collective action and international solidarity. He noted that Nigeria remains committed to upholding the principle of non-refoulement and pursuing durable solutions that promote resilience, self-reliance, and inclusion. The representative of the Nigeria Immigration Service reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to migration management and refugee protection in line with human dignity and international best practices, while the representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant-General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, called on governments, organisations, communities, and individuals to stand in solidarity with refugees and displaced persons. Hon. Aliyu Aminu Garo, Member of the House of Representatives, advocated stronger collaboration among governments, development partners, civil society organisations, and host communities, stressing the need to address the root causes of displacement while promoting resilience and sustainable solutions. The event also featured goodwill messages from representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the ECOWAS Commission, development partners, humanitarian organisations, and diplomatic missions, all of whom reiterated the importance of shared responsibility, protection, inclusion, and durable solutions in addressing global displacement challenges. Ene Mary McDickson