The Federal Government has expressed concern over 400,000 Nigerian refugees stranded in Cameroon, Niger and Chad, as plans are underway to repatriate them.

The Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, stated this at the Technical Working Group meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ahmed noted that 3,000 refugees were returned last week through the efforts of the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, and the technical working group, saying that further repatriation plans are ongoing.

The NCFRMI boss said that the tripartite agreement had been reviewed and the necessary steps for continuation of the repatriation process were being considered.

He acknowledged the role the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees played in the repatriation, saying that discussions were ongoing to ensure the process continued smoothly.

Ahmed further said that the Technical Working Group was reviewing past actions and planning future steps, including seeking government and international partners’ support.

He said that the goal was to ensure that the repatriation exercise became a permanent process in the coming weeks.

The federal commissioner, however, underscored the need for governments’ support and the involvement of key stakeholders, particularly international partners.

“We have not less than 400,000 refugees across these zones – Cameroon, Niger and Chad. 3,000 refugees were returned last week Sunday through the efforts of the governor of Borno.

“We have reviewed the processes here, and then we also try to look at what is required of us to do before the continuation of this repatriation.

“UNHCR is key in this direction because they are the third party in the repatriation exercise assigned through our agreements.

“We hope that in the next few weeks, this repatriation will commence and we will continue the exercise,” he said.

On her part, the UNHCR Deputy Representative, Bernadette Muteshi, expressed the UNHCR’s openness to discussing repatriation, deportation, and the welfare of internally displaced persons.

Muteshi noted that the Technical Working Group aimed to support the governments in ensuring the tripartite agreement was followed and adhered to.

“What will be different this time around is that we are leaning greatly on the governments’ responsibility for leadership and ownership of the process.

“We are here to walk along with both governments to ensure that the contents of the tripartite agreement are followed and adhered to.

“But honestly, it’s really about both governments taking leadership and ownership for their nationals in this particular exercise,” she said.

NAN

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Keystone Bank has confirmed that it is now fully owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria, stating that the takeover will enhance its stability and facilitate a smooth recapitalisation process.

The bank disclosed this in a statement on its Instagram page on Tuesday evening, following a ruling by the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja.

The court ordered the forfeiture of shares previously held by the bank’s former shareholders, effectively transferring ownership to the Federal Government.

“Keystone Bank Limited wishes to clarify the media report on a judgment by the Lagos State Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, regarding the status of the former shareholders of the bank: Sigma Golf Nigeria Limited and Alhaji Umaru H. Modibbo,” the statement read.

“At the court sitting today, February 11, 2025, the court ordered the forfeiture of the bank’s shares previously held by these shareholders in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria, ” it said.

The bank described the development as a significant milestone, reinforcing its stability and positioning it for long-term growth.

“With this clarity, we are well-positioned for sustained growth, stronger partnerships, and enhanced profitability. Keystone Bank continues to strengthen its balance sheet while delivering exceptional value to its teeming stakeholders,” it stated.

The bank also reassured customers of its financial health and regulatory compliance.

“We assure our customers that the bank remains safe, healthy, strong, and resilient,” it added.

Keystone Bank was among the three banks whose boards and management were dissolved by the Central Bank of Nigeria on 10 January 2024, leading to the appointment of new leadership.