Nigeria has officially assumed the Chairmanship of the Rabat Process, a key Euro-African dialogue on migration and development.
The Process brings together 57 partner countries including the European Union, and the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS), among others.
In a Media briefing in Abuja, the Federal Commissioner of, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijjani Ahmed said the Rabat Process serves as a framework for cooperation on migration governance, focusing on areas such as regular pathways, irregular migration, migration and development as well as international protection.
According to him, Nigeria’s leadership marks a significant milestone, reinforcing its role as a key stakeholder in global migration governance.
“Nigeria’s ascension to this role is a testament to the country’s extensive efforts in migration governance. The National Migration Policy (2015) has been widely recognized in the international arena for its well-defined roles and responsibilities assigned to various government agencies, as well as the robust coordination mechanism led by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).”
“Through this coordinated approach, Nigeria has positioned itself as a leading voice on migration issues, making its Chairmanship of the Rabat Process a natural progression in its leadership in migration governance,” he narrated.
The transition was formalized at the Senior Officials Meeting of the Rabat Process, which was held between 29th and 30th January 2025 in Porto, Portugal.
During the meeting, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, formally received the Articles of Chairmanship from the Portuguese Deputy Minister for the Presidency, Dr Rui Freitas, indicating the beginning of Nigeria’s leadership of the Process for the 2025–2026 period.
Before the official handover, Tijjani Ahmed had unveiled Nigeria’s priority areas for its tenure, outlining a comprehensive agenda aimed at fostering sustainable and well-managed migration.
“This position also provides Nigeria with enhanced diplomatic leverage, facilitating stronger bilateral and multilateral engagements on migration agreements, skills and knowledge exchange, and sustainable migration solutions,” he emphasised
The Federal Commissioner further stated that by shaping the agenda of the Rabat Process, Nigeria is positioned to foster international cooperation in addressing key migration challenges, advocating for fair migration policies and promoting development-oriented migration strategies.
“Nigeria’s assumption of this leadership role underscores its growing influence in international migration governance. As Chair, Nigeria will drive the strategic direction of the Rabat Process, ensuring that migration policies and frameworks reflect the realities and priorities of both African and European partner countries.”
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