Nigeria, IOM push stronger migration governance to curb irregular migration

…vows stronger protection for migrants

The federal government and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have called for greater investment in migration governance, stressing the need for policies that promote safe, orderly, and regular migration while protecting the rights and dignity of vulnerable people.

The call was made on Tuesday in Abuja during the fifth anniversary of the COMPASS programme, a multi-year migration governance initiative implemented by the IOM with support from the Government of the Netherlands.

Launched in 2021, the COMPASS initiative aims to strengthen migration governance systems, enhance cooperation among stakeholders, and address the drivers of irregular migration across participating countries.

Sharon Dimanche, IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, said migration had always been part of human history, but managing it in a safe, orderly and humane manner remained a shared responsibility.

She commended the governments of Nigeria and the Netherlands for their continued support, noting that the partnership had helped strengthen migration institutions and improve protection mechanisms for vulnerable migrants.

“As we look to the future, our task is clear. We must continue to invest in stronger institutions, better protection systems, sustainable reintegration programmes and safe migration pathways.

“The work is not finished, but the last five years have shown what is possible when governments and partners work together with a shared purpose.

“At IOM, we remain fully committed to supporting the government and people of Nigeria in building a migration system that is humane, inclusive and leaves no one behind,” she said.

Also speaking, Bernard Doro, minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to protecting returning migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups from the dangers associated with irregular migration.

Doro said the Tinubu administration’s “One Humanitarian, One Poverty Reduction” framework was designed to combine emergency humanitarian interventions with long-term poverty reduction strategies under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He described migration as a potential driver of economic growth when effectively managed.

“Migration, when properly managed, presents opportunities for national development.

“We will continue to strengthen institutions, expand livelihood opportunities and ensure returning migrants are empowered to rebuild their lives with dignity,” he said.

Bengt van Loosdrecht, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, said migration remained fundamentally a human issue, adding that sustained investment in the COMPASS programme had contributed to strengthening Nigeria’s migration governance architecture.

According to him, the programme has enhanced support for survivors of trafficking while helping to prevent more people from falling victim to human traffickers and irregular migration networks.

The anniversary event also featured goodwill messages delivered on behalf of Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.

Other highlights included a documentary showcasing the programme’s achievements over the past five years, testimonies from beneficiaries, and a panel discussion on community-led approaches to promoting safe and regular migration.

Officials from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), development partners and civil society organisations attended the event, where participants reaffirmed the importance of stronger collaboration to build a migration system that protects vulnerable people while supporting national development.