Nigeria has renewed partnership with IOM to curb irregular migration and boost diaspora contributions.
Minister Bianca Ojukwu stressed youth challenges, border security, and diaspora engagement as central themes in discussions.
Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in addressing irregular migration and promoting diaspora participation in national development.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, gave the assurance in Abuja while hosting the IOM Deputy Director-General for Operations, Ms. Ugochi Florence Daniels, and her team.
Ojukwu explained that Nigeria’s large youth population has made irregular migration a critical issue, with many young citizens risking dangerous journeys across deserts and seas. She said her discussions with the IOM centered on enhancing border security, improving access to migration data, supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and harnessing the potential of Nigerians in the diaspora for economic growth.
She further noted that diaspora engagement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy agenda, which emphasizes the “4-Ds” Democracy, Demography, Diaspora, and Development. She urged IOM to continue promoting positive narratives about migration to counter negative stereotypes.
In her remarks, Ms. Daniels reaffirmed IOM’s strong collaboration with Nigeria, citing numerous interventions across the country. She revealed that Nigeria has recorded the highest number of migrant returns globally, with more than 70,000 individuals assisted to return home and about 27,000 reintegrated through the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) program.
Daniels also mentioned IOM’s emergency response to recent flooding in Niger State, where the agency provided shelter kits and essential supplies to around 1,000 displaced families.
