The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has clarified that its visit was to inspect a property located at the premises of the National Open University Centre in Nsu Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, for the establishment of a skills acquisition center aimed at training persons of concern and youth from the five southeastern states.
Two weeks ago, there was outrage and fear on social media after a news report by TVC which stated that the facility is meant for the IDPs.
The news was aired by TVC on September 19.
Many social media influencers heightened tensions after pushing the narrative that the Internally Displaced Persons in northern Nigeria will be moving down to Imo State to settle permanently.
As a result of this, hoodlums set the facility on fire.
However, in a statement posted on the commission’s official X account in Tuesday, it clarified that the goal was to explore and ascertain whether the center could be utilized to train returnee migrants, refugees, and displaced persons, such as victims of floods and communal clashes, as well as the youth and people of Imo State and the broader southeast region.
The statement explained further that Displaced persons are found throughout Nigeria, including those affected by floods and other crises in places like Orlu, Njaba, and Orsu areas of Imo State.
NCFRMI said its primary aim was to train, certify, and empower the vulnerable populations of Imo State and the southeast with vital skills for self-reliance, with the potential to establish the center as the regional headquarters for this initiative.
“It’s important to note that similar skills acquisition centers are being proposed to be established in all the six geopolitical zones of the country to serve the populations in each respective zone, in line with the Commission’s “Skills to Wealth” initiative and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“The primary goal of NCFRMI is to protect, assist, and maintain the welfare of refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons in Nigeria. We work tirelessly to ensure that those displaced by conflicts, natural disasters, and other crises are given the support they need to rebuild their lives, reintegrate into society, and contribute to the economic and social fabric of our country.
“It is important to highlight that out of the over 6 million people facing displacement in Nigeria, a significant number reside in the southeast, where entire communities have been displaced due to ecological challenges such as erosion, landslides, and other forms of environmental degradation.
“In 2024 alone, the Commission facilitated the return of 4,550 stranded migrants, with no fewer than 30% of them originating from the southeast. Additionally, the region hosts approximately 50 non-Nigerianan nationals currently seeking asylum as refugees in Nigeria. This group belongs to the subset of the population referred to as persons of concern to the Commission.
“Unfortunately, after the press briefing, some unscrupulous individuals spread false information regarding the purpose of the visit and the intended use of the facility. These individuals misunderstood the Commission’s objectives, leading to tension that culminated in the burning of several homes, including that of Senator Frank Ibezim, who facilitated the visit and accompanied my team and me during the visit.
“We want to categorically state that the NCFRMI’s intervention in Imo State and the entire southeast has no political motives and it does not in any way intend to bring IDPs from the northern part of Nigeria to reside in the southeast.
“The commission equally wants to state that no money was given to any person or persons for the purpose of utilizing the facility as it belongs to the government.
“The proposed establishment of the skills acquisition center is purely a humanitarian initiative designed to serve as a critical resource and provide training in areas such as vocational skills, entrepreneurship, and capacity building. These programs will benefit displaced persons, returnee migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups, irrespective of their political affiliation, ethnicity, or religious inclination within the southeast region.
“We deeply regret the misrepresentation of information by the media that led to the unwarranted unrest and the destruction of properties by some unscrupulous elements.
“The NCFRMI’s mandate is rooted in humanitarian principles. We operate based on global standards of neutrality, impartiality, and transparency.
“It is unfortunate that such a misrepresentation of information has caused distress within the affected community. However, we are committed to working closely with local authorities, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders to restore peace, trust, and development.
“We wish to reiterate that the NCFRMI remains dedicated to fulfilling its mandate of providing durable solutions to persons of concern across Nigeria. The proposed establishment of the skills acquisition center in Nsu Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, is one of such projects aimed at providing sustainable and durable solutions for refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons in Nigeria.
“Lastly, we strongly condemn the arson attack on the National Open University in Nsu Ehime Mbano. We sincerely express our deepest sympathy to the Executive Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and the good people of Imo State over this tragic event. We equally appeal to all members of the affected community to remain calm and avoid any further acts of violence and destruction of their own assets, as they all belong to them.
“We must join hands to build a peaceful and progressive society for ourselves and future generations.
