Abuja - Nigeria — The Federal Commissioner for Nigeria's National Commission for Refugees (NCFR), Hajiya Hadiza Kangiwa, on Monday, 23rd April, 2012 paid a courtesy call on the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Mrs. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman during which they discussed the refugee situation in the region and ways to ensure collaboration between the two organizations.

The visiting Commissioner used the opportunity to congratulate Mrs. Suleiman on her appointment and made a presentation on the NCFR whose mandate is to define policies and general principles relating to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons and migrants.

In terms of the vision of the institution, Hajia Kangiwa said it aims to protect refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons and migrants and assist in their repatriation, reintegration, rehabilitation and reintegration. Responding, Commissioner Suleiman, who was accompanied by officials of the NCFR, congratulated and commended Hajia Kangiwa for her efforts on behalf of Nigerian refugees in general and West Africa.

Commissioner Suleiman said ECOWAS looks forward to establishing cooperation with the NCFR through the ECOWAS Commission for Human Development and Gender which has responsibility for refugee issues in the Commission.