FG, IOM Unite to Address Nigeria’s Migration Challenges
By Patience Ikpeme
Senator Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, recently reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling migration issues in Nigeria through collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Speaking during a courtesy visit by Ms. Dimanche Sharon, the new Chief of Mission of IOM to Nigeria, Bagudu emphasized the importance of partnership in addressing the complex migration landscape.
“Migration is divine,” Bagudu remarked, “and people should be permitted to move within the boundaries of the law.” He highlighted that migration is a natural response to challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and shifting land use patterns. These factors compel people to seek better opportunities in areas with arable farmland, commercial prospects, and improved living conditions.
The minister expressed appreciation for IOM’s impactful role in Nigeria, suggesting that the organisation could evolve into a global ombudsman for migration issues. He assured Ms. Sharon and her team of the ministry’s full cooperation, noting that the International Cooperation Department has already signed several agreements aimed at addressing migration challenges both internally and internationally.
Ms. Dimanche Sharon praised the ministry’s effective coordination, calling it a “key player in the country’s development activities.” She encouraged Nigerians to “rewrite their story,” emphasizing the many positive narratives about Nigeria that remain untold on the international stage. This, she said, could transform perceptions and attract more support for the country’s development.
A significant part of Sharon’s vision involves harnessing remittances from the Nigerian diaspora. “The receipt of remittances can enhance development, provide better nutrition, improve education, and increase access to health services,” she explained. She urged the ministry to integrate Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) into development plans and to devise sustainable solutions for internal displacement issues.
Sharon assured that IOM stands ready to support Nigeria’s plans and programmes, acting as an extended arm of the government. She outlined IOM’s key activities in Nigeria, including Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR), Labour Migration, Diaspora Policy Formulation, Migration Health, and Migrant Assistance and Protection.
The collaboration between the Federal Government and IOM signifies a proactive approach to migration management, balancing humanitarian concerns with economic development. Bagudu’s ministry is positioned to leverage IOM’s expertise to create policies that protect migrants while fostering national growth.
“This partnership is crucial,” Bagudu concluded, “as we navigate the complexities of migration in a rapidly changing world.” The joint efforts aim to ensure that migration contributes positively to Nigeria’s prosperity and social stability.
As the meeting ended, both parties expressed optimism about the future. With shared goals and mutual support, Nigeria’s migration challenges may well be transformed into opportunities for inclusive development and global cooperation.
The visit marked a promising step forward in Nigeria’s migration policy, demonstrating the power of collaboration between government and international organizations to address pressing national issues.
