The Nigerian government maintains an open-door policy for refugees. Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria are granted temporary protection status (TPS), which is set to extend until 2027, reflecting the protracted nature of their displacement. Concerted efforts have been initiated to clear the backlog of asylum claims pending adjudication for refugees of other nationalities. UNHCR is supporting the Government in this endeavor; in 2025 registration was completed for various nationality groups including 21,100 asylum seekers from Niger in Damasak and Sudanese applicants in Kano.

Nigeria is reinforcing its asylum mechanisms and transitioning to sustainable and at-scale protection responses. This includes digitizing refugee registration, strengthening refugee status determination processes, supporting community-based protection, and integrating forcibly displaced persons into national social protection systems. One major initiative in this respect is the integration of refugees into national systems and the recognition of refugee documents by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) which aim to facilitate refugees' access to SIM cards, banking, and other social services. Strengthening critical national systems, particularly education and healthcare, and implementing renewable energy solutions reflect other tangible steps toward achieving sustainable service delivery and reducing long-term aid dependency.

In terms of durable solutions, the Nigerian government has committed to exploring pathways for local integration, especially for refugees who have been in the country for extended periods. States such as Katsina, Cross River, and Taraba demonstrate commitment by allocating resources, land, and agricultural inputs to displaced communities. Support from development partners, financial institutions, and UN agencies further provides essential technical expertise and resources.

UNHCR and partners are increasingly adopting area-based, inclusive approaches to assistance. Engagement with host communities is key to maintaining social cohesion. The shift toward self-reliance initiatives—such as agriculture, skills development, and public-private partnerships—is supported by protection actors who ensure inclusion of vulnerable groups and persons with specific needs. These efforts aim to reduce dependency on humanitarian aid and foster social cohesion between refugees and host communities. However, the absence of a comprehensive legal framework for local integration, particularly for refugees from outside the ECOWAS region, remains a barrier.