The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safe, orderly and regular migration in Nigeria as the COMPASS Programme marked its fifth anniversary, highlighting its impact on migration governance and migrant reintegration.
The anniversary event, themed “Five Years of Guiding Safe Migration, Partnerships, Protection and Pathways in Nigeria”, brought together government officials, development partners, civil society groups and other stakeholders to review achievements and discuss future priorities.
IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission, Sharon Dimanche, said migration itself is not the challenge, but the lack of safe and legal pathways. She stressed the need to protect the dignity and rights of migrants while promoting orderly migration.
Sharon highlighted the story of a trafficking survivor who rebuilt her life through psychosocial support, livelihood assistance and reintegration services provided under the COMPASS Programme, describing it as evidence of the programme’s human impact.
She noted that over the past five years, COMPASS has strengthened Nigeria’s migration governance through improved policies, institutional coordination and protection-focused migration management. More than 900 vulnerable migrants have also received reintegration support, including healthcare, psychosocial services and livelihood assistance.
Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard M. Doro, described the anniversary as a celebration of transformed lives and strengthened partnerships. He warned that irregular migration continues to expose many young Nigerians to trafficking, exploitation and abuse.
The minister said the programme has improved migration governance, strengthened institutions and enhanced community resilience.
He also highlighted the Federal Government’s One Humanitarian, One Poverty Response System (OHOP) as a key initiative aimed at integrating humanitarian assistance, social protection and poverty reduction efforts.
Representing the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Bengt van Loosdrecht reaffirmed support for efforts to protect vulnerable migrants, strengthen reintegration services and combat human trafficking.
Other stakeholders, including officials from the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons and relevant ministries, commended the programme’s achievements and called for stronger partnerships to expand safe migration opportunities and protect vulnerable Nigerians.
Participants agreed that sustained collaboration, stronger institutions and greater investment in livelihoods and community resilience are essential to ensuring safe migration and lasting reintegration across Nigeria.
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