The Southwest Zonal Office of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons ,NCFRMI has hosted a major town hall meeting bringing together over 100 refugees and asylum seekers living across Lagos State to mark year 2026 World Refugee Day
The forum served as a direct line of communication between displaced communities and key government and humanitarian leaders, tracking closely with the global 2026 theme: “Until Everyone Is Safe.”
The diverse gathering included individuals from multiple nationalities, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Lebanon, Syria, and Mali.
Speaking at the event, the Southwest Zonal Coordinator of NCFRMI, Mr. Alex Oturu, emphasized that protecting Refugees means looking far beyond basic physical security.
Oturu who explained that the Commission recognises that safety extends beyond physical protection stated that it also includes access to documentation, education, healthcare, livelihoods, social inclusion and opportunities for self-reliance.
He noted that under the guidance of the Honourable Federal Commissioner, Dr. Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, the commission is actively working to strengthen durable, long-term solutions that allow displaced persons to truly rebuild their lives with dignity.
The town hall meeting wasn’t just a listening session it alsooperated as a practical resource hub as High-profile stakeholders were on the ground to answer tough questions and clarify complex institutional procedures, including:
The Nigeria Immigration Service ,Lagos State Command clarifying regularisation and official documentation procedures.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees,UNHCR outlined international protection, legal frameworks, and referral mechanisms while
The African Refugees Foundation , Represented by Executive Director Prince Olujimi Olushola, focused on grassroots advocacy and civil society backing.
The interactive setup allowed attendees to raise immediate concerns regarding their daily lived experiences, legal status, and access to local opportunities.
Concluding the event, the NCFRMI extended gratitude to its partners and issued a collective call to action for host communities and development agencies alike. The commission stressed that achieving total safety and dignity for displaced persons requires a unified front, ensuring that no refugee or person of concern is left behind in the margins of society.
