Nigeria’s Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has assured Nigerian refugees in Chad of the government’s commitment to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of those willing to return home.

The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday during a visit to the Kaya refugee site in Lac Province, Chad, where he assessed their welfare. He directed willing returnees to work with the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) for proper census and documentation, after which the relevant state governments would handle their repatriation.

“For those of you willing to return home, you should liaise with the Lake Chad Basin Commission to take the census while the state governments repatriate you to your respective states,” Buni said.

Refugee community leader Ba-Bulama Usman welcomed the visit as a source of hope and proof that the Nigerian government had not forgotten them. “You are the only government official from Nigeria to visit us,” he said, adding that it had given the refugees “a sense of belonging and hope.”

Usman pledged the community’s full cooperation with the LCBC in identifying those ready to return and notifying their home state governments.

Buni, who is also Chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, praised the refugees for their peaceful coexistence with host communities and the Chadian government. He urged them to remain law-abiding, avoid criminal activities, and report any infiltration or suspicious movements. He also expressed satisfaction with their engagement in fishing and farming, noting that these activities promote self-reliance and reduce dependence on humanitarian aid.

He assured the refugees that the federal government would continue collaborating with Chad on their welfare and related issues.

Earlier, Buni paid a courtesy visit to Lac Province Governor Saleh Tidjani. He commended the Chadian government for hosting Nigerian settlers and refugees and fostering peaceful relations. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to sustained peace, security, and economic cooperation. Buni also highlighted the Lake Chad Governors’ Forum’s resolutions from its Maiduguri meeting, including efforts to open waterways for security operations and the movement of goods and services.

Tidjani described the visit as an honour and an opportunity to deepen Nigeria–Chad collaboration on peaceful coexistence, security, stability, and economic growth.

Buni was accompanied by LCBC Executive Secretary Ibrahim Babani, Multinational Joint Task Force Force Commander S.T. Audu, Yobe State Secretary to the Government Mohammed Goje, and other officials.