Building on our advocacy effort in partnership with UNHCR Nigeria, our team convened a stakeholder engagement forum on October 30, 2025, themed “Enhancing Refugee Protection Coordination and Inclusion in Akwa Ibom State.” The event brought together representatives of government agencies, humanitarian organizations, traditional leaders, and refugee communities to explore pathways toward more inclusive protection systems.
In his opening address, Dr. Amana Effiong emphasized the importance of partnerships in promoting a culture of inclusion and sustainable support for refugees. Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of state ministries, security agencies, humanitarian partners, and refugee leaders, each reaffirming their commitment to collaborative action.
Mr. Richard Effiong, Caritas Nigeria’s Field Officer, underscored the need to strengthen refugee inclusion within national systems and to prioritize durable solutions through shared responsibility. Participants, during breakout sessions, deliberated on practical strategies for advancing community-based child protection, gender-based violence response, justice and legal protection, and the integration of refugee protection within the state’s social response framework.
The engagement concluded with a note of appreciation from Asari Nakanda, State Team Lead for Caritas Nigeria, who lauded the active participation of all stakeholders and expressed optimism that the outcomes of the forum would lead to a more inclusive and coordinated response to refugee welfare in Akwa Ibom State.
