Nigeria, IOM Strengthen Ties to Tackle Irregular Migration.
By Caroline Ameh
Nigeria is seeking deeper collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to address the growing challenge of irregular migration, according to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by IOM Deputy Director-General (Operations), Ms. Ugochi Florence Daniels, the minister linked the trend of illegal migration to Nigeria’s large youthful population, noting that over 70 per cent of the country’s citizens are under 40 and in need of employment opportunities.
She emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy is anchored on the “4-Ds” Democracy, Demography, Diaspora, and Development, with diaspora affairs playing a central role. According to her, Nigeria’s vibrant diaspora community of over 17 million people significantly contributes to national growth and development.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also acknowledged IOM’s long-standing partnership with Nigeria in managing vulnerable migrants and internally displaced persons (IDPs), applauding its recent emergency response in Niger State, where over 1,000 displaced families received shelter and relief items following devastating floods.
While commending IOM’s strategic direction of saving lives and promoting safe migration pathways, the minister urged the organisation to harmonise its activities with relevant ministries and leverage new financing options amid global funding constraints. She further disclosed Nigeria’s readiness to host UN or international offices relocating under the UN80 Reform Initiative.
In her remarks, Ms. Daniels reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to Nigeria, noting that over 70,000 irregular migrants had been assisted to return home, with 27,000 reintegrated through the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme. She also called on Nigeria to restore its voting rights in the IOM Council by making its assessed contributions.
“We have a very comprehensive intervention in Nigeria. We count on your continued support for the work of IOM in Nigeria,” Daniels said.
