National Migration Dialogue: Stakeholders converge to address challenges

Stakeholders in the Humanitarian space have converged on Abuja, Nigeria’s capital to address the lingering migration challenges in the country.

At the 10th National Migration Dialogue, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda said the decade-long tradition has become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s migration governance framework.

Dr Yilwatda underscores the need to amplify the narrative of African migrants as drivers of innovational development.

According to him, Nigeria’s Migration Governance Framework emphasises regional cooperation, protection of migrant’s rights, and creation of legal migration pathways while fostering stronger migration partnerships to address migration challenges.

“Migration is a shared responsibility and requires collective action. As we celebrate, let us strengthen bilateral labour agreements with destination countries to safeguard the rights of migrants,” he stated.

He said this year’s theme, “Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting Their Rights,” aligns perfectly with the global theme for International Migrants Day, “Honouring the Contributions of Migrants and Respecting Their Rights.

The Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijjani Ahmed said Migration is not only a story of displacement or return, but also one of resilience, innovation, and contributions to society.

He said as Nigeria assumes the chairmanship of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development, the Rabat Process in 2025, the Commission is uniquely positioned to highlight the invaluable contributions of African migrants to global development.

“This platform will also allow us to advocate for enhanced protection and rights of migrants. Nigeria takes pride in its vibrant and industrious diaspora community, whose members not only make significant contributions to the development of their host countries but also remain deeply connected to their heritage and homeland.”

He noted that to leverage these contributions for national development, the Government of Nigeria has adopted and continues to refine key migration-related policies.

“These include the National Diaspora Policy (2021), the National Policy on Labour Migration (2020), and the ongoing review of the 2015 National Migration Policy. Under the leadership of the Commission and the Technical Working Group on Migration and Development. This policy review seeks to address emerging migration trends and align with the objectives of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM).”

These, according to the Federal Commissioner, are a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to fostering effective migration governance and maximizing the developmental benefits of migration for its citizens.

He narrated that efforts are focused on developing strategies for providing durable solutions to the displaced in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

“To this end, we are actively formulating a National Action Plan aligned with the National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons. However, this critical undertaking demands significant support, including technical expertise, inter-agency cooperation, and adequate funding, to ensure effective and sustainable interventions that can restore hope and stability to affected populations.”

Tijjani Ahmed further disclosed that the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons is on the verge of constructing Skills acquisition centres in the six (6) geopolitical zones of the country where refugees and displaced youths and women will be trained in viable and sustainable arts and crafts that will enable them to fend for themselves and restore their livelihoods in dignity.