The Nigerian Government is partnering with the Government of the Netherlands to resolve migration issues.
Receiving the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherland, Harry Dijk, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria, Basheer Mohammed said, the Commission had increased advocacy for sensitisation of migrants against illegal migration.
He said; “As an Agency, our goal has been to steadfastly advocate for safe and orderly migration that will ensure more lives saved and not lost.”
“This year we have streamlined resources to primarily focus on the protection of Persons of Concern – this includes migrants and we have ramped up sensitisation of Nigerians that will promote regular migration within the country.
“ To this end, by the middle of this year, we intend to launch the Resettlement City Rehabilitation & Reintegration Project in 4 States across the Country ( Borno, Kano, Katsina and Edo States),” he stressed.
According to him, the Edo State facility was intentionally selected for use as a transitional migrant centre for rehabilitation and reintegration of migrants who have returned from abroad and need support before going back to their former homes.
“We are excited about this plan and the opportunity to provide the necessary protection and sensitisation for this group of citizens. Never before has there been a Centre for such support in Nigeria.
“We have listened to numerous calls from migrants and believe that this is one way for the Commission to promote safe return and reintegration of migrants that is free of stigma, especially for those who have returned from gruesome experiences,” he said.
Mohammed further stated that Government was pleased to hear of plans for the upcoming Nigeria-Netherlands Strategic Dialogue on Migration and Consular Affairs while it looked forward to progressive partnerships in line with the streamlined focus as a nation.
“For the last year the Covid-19 pandemic has restricted our movement and inevitably this has delayed us from meeting each other in person. Nonetheless, I am delighted that today we have the opportunity to meet and resume discussions that will benefit our migratory landscape in Nigeria as well as our relations with the Kingdom of the Netherlands,” the Commissioner added.
Responding, Ambassador Harry Dijk admitted that Covid-19 pandemic had restricted their movement and delayed the meeting, saying discussions that would benefit the migratory landscape in Nigeria as well as relations with the Kingdom of the Netherlands have resumed.
“We are happy to be here and we will do everything to support the Commission in every way possible as we hope to boost bilateral dialogue on migration and investment and trade,” the Ambassador added.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
