The Commissioner for National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Basheer Mohammed, has said that the Nigerian government is joining its voices with others to condemn all acts of discrimination across the globe.
Delivering his speech at the 2020 World Refugee Day Celebration in Abuja, the Commissioner said the agency is responsible and dedicated to the empowerment, rehabilitation and livelihood support for refugees in Nigeria.
“We make a strong statement today that we recognize you, we stand with you and will continue to support to a place of improved dignity and prosperity,” he said.
“On this day we identify with the concerns of refugees around the world. Your strength, your courage, and your resilience are remarkable.
“Many of you have left your countries in response to threats based on religion, race, membership of a particular social group, and in some cases due to war in various parts of the world.
“But, we want you to know, today more than ever, the Nigerian Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari is fully behind you and will continue to protect you,” Mr Basheer stressed.
According to him, the establishment of the NCRMIDP itself is a testimony of the country’s commitment to the plight of Refugees, Migrants as well as Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs.
The Commissioner stated further that even with the global pandemic caused by the Coronavirus, the efforts of its office in supporting the needs of Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons has not slowed down.
He added that the commission’s offices are open in line with the Federal Government advised protocol, saying; “we have also reached out to all camps and host communities with protective supplies, such as hand sanitizers, buckets and face masks”.
While thanking its partner, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Nigeria in the role it has played so far, the Commissioner said; “this year’s theme, EVERYONE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, EVERY ACTION COUNTS is befitting, even as he reassured the Refugees, Migrants, and IDPs that they are the Commission’s primary concern.”
Speaking further he said; “for those you here with us today, as leaders of various communities, you have taken a bold step to be the “change-makers” and thus we appreciate you.
“No matter who you are or where you came from, pandemic or not; everyone can make a difference. Every action counts and ours are in an inclusive world.”
He, however, urged the refugees who were not present at the Refugee Day’s celebration to visit the Commission at its head office in Abuja as well as their different offices across the country, saying that the commission administers registration daily between the hours of 9 am to 4 pm.
