The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has unveiled a 25-year migration framework for Nigeria, outlining strategies to promote safe and regular migration, create opportunities for young people and strengthen support for displaced communities.
The framework, known as Migration Vision at 25, was unveiled in Abuja, as the organisation marked 25 years of operations in Nigeria.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Government and other partners, seeks to position Nigeria as a leading African hub for safe and productive migration, while harnessing human mobility for economic growth and national development.
The Migration Vision at 25 is built around three pillars: Mobility, Opportunity and Resilience. It seeks to strengthen migrant protection, expand regular migration pathways, promote diaspora engagement, support sustainable reintegration and develop lasting solutions for communities affected by displacement.
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Speaking through a special video message at the anniversary celebration, Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima congratulated IOM on its 25 years of partnership with Nigeria, commending its contributions to humanitarian assistance, migrant protection and community resilience.
“On behalf of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I warmly congratulate the International Organisation for Migration on 25 years of service and partnership in Nigeria.
“Over the past quarter of a century, IOM has been a trusted partner, supporting communities affected by displacement, assisting vulnerable populations, promoting safe and regular migration, and helping build resilience across our great nation,” he said.
VP Shettima stressed that migration should be regarded not only as a challenge but also as an opportunity to drive development, particularly through skills acquisition, employment creation and engagement with Nigerians living abroad.
“Migration is not only a challenge to be managed; it is an opportunity to be harnessed. By embracing new skills development, expanding pathways for safe and regular mobility, and creating opportunities for our young people to contribute productively at home and abroad, we can unlock the full potential of migration as a driver of development.
“We must also continue to engage and empower our diaspora, whose skills, investments, innovations, and global networks are invaluable assets for Nigeria’s growth and prosperity,” he said.
According to IOM, its humanitarian interventions in Nigeria since 2014 have reached more than 2.5 million people, while nearly 500,000 displaced persons have received shelter support.
The organisation also reported that more than 737,000 people had gained access to safe drinking water, while over 72,000 Nigerian migrants had been assisted to return home safely and voluntarily.
In addition, its economic recovery programmes have generated more than 75,000 jobs through skills development and start-up support, strengthened over 2,150 small businesses and provided market-relevant skills training to more than 12,700 people.
Migration Policies
Also speaking, IOM’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Sylvia Ekra, said the organisation had also supported the Nigerian government in developing six major national migration policies and frameworks and strengthening border management systems at 33 locations across the country.
She noted that Nigeria had an opportunity to influence migration policies and practices across the West and Central African region by investing in human capital and expanding safe migration channels.
“Nigeria has an opportunity to help shape the future of human mobility across West and Central Africa. By investing in skills, expanding safe and regular pathways, and strengthening cooperation between countries, we can create a region where people are able to move with dignity and where migration opens opportunities for individuals, communities and economies alike.
“IOM is proud to be a longstanding partner of Nigeria and the region and will continue to partner with all actors to ensure no one is left behind,” she noted
According to IOM, Nigeria’s migration challenges include conflict and insecurity, climate-related disasters, environmental degradation and economic pressures, all of which have contributed to displacement and increased vulnerability in affected communities.
The Organisation however, stressed that the country’s large and youthful population also offers opportunities to promote labour mobility, skills development and economic growth, provided migration is safe, orderly and regular.
Reflecting on IOM’s journey in Nigeria, the organisation’s Chief of Mission, in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the resilience of Nigerians and the lives transformed through the partnership.
“Twenty-five years ago, IOM began its journey in Nigeria with just two staff members working from a small office in Lagos. Today, our work reaches across the country, but the real story is not how much IOM has grown.
“It is the millions of lives touched through this partnership and the extraordinary resilience of the Nigerian people.
“When we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2051, the children born today will be 25 years old. Our ambition is to help create a future where fewer people are forced into vulnerability and more people have the opportunity to thrive,” he said.
As IOM enters its next quarter-century in Nigeria, it is optimistic that the new vision will guide its continued cooperation with Nigeria in addressing migration-related challenges while expanding opportunities for individuals and communities to benefit from safe and productive mobility.
