Over 21,800 refugees unregistered in Nigeria — UN
At least 21,807 foreign refugees and asylum seekers fleeing violence in neighbouring countries remain unregistered in Nigeria, denying them access to food aid, healthcare and other essential services, the United Nations has said.
Figures from the UNHCR’s November 2025 dashboard show that most of the unregistered asylum seekers are from Cameroon’s conflict-hit Anglophone regions. Nigeria hosts about 127,000 refugees and asylum seekers from 41 countries, including 80,915 recognised refugees and over 25,000 asylum seekers awaiting decisions.
UNHCR data indicates that the registration backlog peaked at 32,750 in June 2025 before declining to 21,807 by November, suggesting new arrivals continue to outpace government capacity.
Unregistered refugees are ineligible for UNHCR food stipends, cash assistance and health insurance, leaving many struggling in host communities. An official cited staffing shortages, security concerns and logistics as key challenges in states hosting most arrivals.
“Registration can take weeks or even months, depending on the state and the availability of NCFRMI personnel,” a field officer said.
Cameroonians account for about 86 per cent of Nigeria’s refugee population. A former Nigerian ambassador to Singapore, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, said Nigeria must meet its obligations while remaining cautious.
“Nigeria is a signatory to the appropriate international instruments, conventions and treaties that grant favour to asylum seekers, especially those under persecution,” he said, adding that security agencies must “have their eyes peeled to watch out for people who might be used to infiltrate the Nigerian space for any negative objectives.”
