Is Nigeria Meeting Its Obligations? A Critical Review of Refugee Rights and Protections

This article provides a critical review of Nigeria’s adherence to its international and regional obligations regarding the rights and protection of refugees. Drawing on international instruments such as the 1951 Refugee Convention, its 1967 Protocol, and the African Union’s 1969 Refugee Convention, the article evaluates how these frameworks have been domesticated within Nigeria’s legal and institutional systems. It explores the role of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), assesses access to asylum procedures, legal status, and basic rights such as education, healthcare, and employment, and highlights the challenges refugees face in practice. Through a detailed analysis of policy implementation, structural gaps, and socio-political constraints, the article reveals significant inconsistencies between Nigeria’s obligations and the lived realities of refugees. It concludes with practical recommendations aimed at enhancing the protection environment and ensuring Nigeria upholds its commitment to refugee rights in line with international standards.