By Laraba MUREY
The Federal Commissioner, National Commission Refugee, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, NCFRMI, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has said the commission was ready to give equal rights to all Nigerians as over 78 thousand refugees are registered in the country.
Imaan explained that due to treaties signed by the Nigerian government, the commission was obliged to strengthen its response to the concerns of refugees.
Imaan made this known during a town hall meeting organized by the commission in collaboration with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, last Friday in Abuja.
According to her, “We can end up with the right kind of solution that we all desire and we can strengthen the response for all persons of concern. Like I’ve always said Nigeria is a welcoming country for all, there are treaties that have been signed globally and we are committed to ensuring that we hold to our own side of the bargain. We know that there are gaps, we all know that this is a work in progress.
“When you’re coming into, Nigeria and you have earned your refugee status you have equal rights to every Nigeria so you’re expected to compete like every Nigerian
“I’m glad that you have found Nigeria to be your home and you have started to work in different areas of your life. I’m here to support you.
“I will assure you that we have one of the most progressive refugee programs in the world,” Imaan said.
Similarly, Deputy Representative, UNHCR, John Mckissick stated that, “Looking now at a new HMO for health care also for urban refugees. So if you have issues with access services, definitely you should approach UNCHR mind together we’ll work on it to make sure that you do have the same rights to send your children to school, even in Abuja, even in Lagos as Nigerian parents can.”
