As the International Organisation for Migration IOM, celebrates 20 years of operation in Nigeria, it has reiterated its commitments to support the Nigerian Government in all areas of humanitarian response in affected communities especially North-East Nigeria.
The IOM Deputy Director General – Operations Ugochi Daniels, who state this at IOM’s commemoration of its 20th anniversary in Nigeria while highlighting some of its achievements in Nigeria said that the IOM has achieve what it has for the past 20 years because of the collaborations of development partners in Nigeria.
“We will be a better version of ourselves. We will continue serving those in need. I thank our development partners. Thank you for believing in us and most importantly, for putting your taxpayers’ funds in our care to support the people of Nigeria. To the government of Nigeria, we are because you are. Without your unwavering support, we would not be doing what we do best. I want to reiterate our support to the Federal Government in all areas of common interest.“
Ms Daniels added that, “We operate and manage two of the enablers to the humanitarian efforts in the region, the Humanitarian hubs, which provide a safe space for all humanitarian actors in the deep field and the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) which is responsible for determining trends and patterns of mobility,
the characteristics and needs of the affected populations.
A big feat marked by great impact. Such a milestone is an opportunity to reflect and look back on IOM’s history and take stock of enduring achievements. Most importantly, it is a time to build on its remarkable history and be better.”
The IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Franz Celetin, explains that
“In 2021 more than 4,800 aid workers from 135 organizations utilised all nine humanitarian hubs and their vital services. As a result of the unprecedented challenges in sustaining and delivering quality health care during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, IOM offered its medical laboratories and staff to support the establishment of the UN Severe Acute Respiratory Isolation and Treatment Facility. To date, over 7,500 individuals from UN agencies and the diplomatic community have used the testing and facilities in Abuja, Lagos and Maiduguri for diagnostic and travel purposes.“
In the light of IOM’s efforts in Nigeria, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs, Edward Kallon, while describing the United Nations Humanitarian agency as one cardinal to all its humanitarian efforts in North East Nigeria, advocated for more support and synergy among stakeholders to better the lives of the vulnerable.
“IOM’s own story would not be worth telling were if not for very important groups of partners. Permit me to thank the Federal Government of Nigeria – for giving IOM the space to do what it knows best- supporting member states, to manage migration better and respond to humanitarian emergencies and on the other hand, development partners who provide the needed financial support. I sincerely believe that with more support from development partners, IOM can do more, be it in responding to emergencies or in the development space.“
Kallon, reiterated UN’s commitment in serving Nigeria better.
“Nigeria is the heart of Africa and needs partners like you to keep it pumping. On behalf of the entire UN system in Nigeria, I would like to wish IOM Nigeria a happy 20th anniversary. I take this opportunity to reaffirm the UN in Nigeria’s commitment to continually support the Government of Nigeria to provide adequate support to humanitarian and developmental issues in the country.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, who was represented by the Director employment and wages Mr. John Nyamale, appreciated the support of the IOM and other partners, saying the celebration was wake up call for the nation to strengthen its weakness and improve on its performance in the area of migration governance.
