Abia signs MoU with IOM on migration roadmap

Abia State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Organization for Migration to roll out roadmap instrument between the State Government and the United Nations.

Governor Otti after the signing of the MoU, said he was excited to work with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) but emphasised that the State Government was much more committed to deploying strategies that would encourage reverse migration rather than migration.

According to the governor, in the last 21 months, we have introduced policies that will create enabling environment for investors and businesses in the State with a view to reversing migration cases.

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“When people encounter IOM, their mind goes to supporting migration, that is true but the migration that you are going to support here is reverse migration.

“So while we are encouraging migration that is voluntary, we also encourage the reverse migration once it is also voluntary. What makes it voluntary is that the place is good . We want people to come to Abia.

“You can not take off to a place that is not inviting. So, for us, the essence of this place is to make the place inviting and friendly to investors, friendly to visitors, friendly to our people. We will continue to do that,” Otti stated.

The Abia State governor noted that his administration is committed to pulling people out of poverty, hence his various policies geared towards creating conducive environment and attracting investors to the State.