The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has joined the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to identify ways to increase investment in migration governance to make it more profitable and regular.
This was the crux of discussion during the COMPASS@5 anniversary ceremony organised by IOM in Abuja to celebrate the achievement of IOM in managing migration in the past five years and planning for the years ahead.
COMPASS was initiated in 2021 as a multi-year and multi-regional programme designed to strengthen migration governance, and foster multi stakeholders cooperation focused on tackling irregular migration.
In her remark during the ceremony, IOM Chief of Mission, Sharon Dimanche, noted that although migration has always been part of human history, there is a challenge in ensuring it is safe, orderly, regular and protects the dignity of every individual.
She lauded the governments of Nigeria and Netherlands for their support in actualising the programme, even as she emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting Nigeria sustain effective migration governance feats.
Dimanche said, “As we look forward to the future, our task is clear. We must continue to invest in stronger institutions, better protection, sustainable reintegration and safe migration pathways.
“The work is not finished, but the last five years have shown what is possible when we 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.”
Contributing, the minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, assured the government’s continued efforts to protect returning migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons and safeguard vulnerable communities from dangers of irregular migration.
Doro said, “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.”
In his remarks, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Bengt Loosdrecht, said investment in COMPASS will enable the country to strengthen migration institutions and protect people.
“This is particularly in supporting survivors and preventing others from falling into the hands of traffickers,” he said.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion included the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by Erimfolami Ola, Director and Special Adviser on Administration; the minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by the Head of Youth Migration and Climate Action Resilience, Adedoyin Oyekan.
Others include, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, and the Chairman of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
