The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has introduced a new plan to guide Nigeria’s migration policies over the next 25 years. This announcement comes as the United Nations agency celebrated its 25 years in Nigeria.
Elijah Elaigwu, the IOM’s National Communications Officer, shared this news in a statement on Thursday. The plan, named Migration Vision @25, was launched in Abuja.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Bernard Doro, and other government officials were present at the event. Vice President Kashim Shettima sent a congratulatory message.
Shettima noted that Nigeria could use migration to boost economic growth. He emphasized the need to invest in skills development and create opportunities for young people both in Nigeria and abroad.
“Migration is not only a challenge to be managed; it is an opportunity to be harnessed,” he said.
He called for more engagement with Nigerians living outside the country. He mentioned their skills, investments, innovations, and networks as important for Nigeria’s growth.
The IOM explained that the new plan aims to make Nigeria a top African hub for safe and productive migration. It will also help Nigeria become a competitive source of skills and talent.
The framework is based on three main areas: mobility, opportunity, and resilience. Its goals include protecting migrants, expanding regular migration routes, helping returning migrants rebuild their lives, and finding lasting solutions for communities affected by displacement.
Displacement and migration policy
This initiative comes at a time when Nigeria is dealing with significant displacement due to conflict, insecurity, and climate change.
According to data from the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) on October 1, there are 3,679,757 internally displaced people in Nigeria. The country has 141,688 refugees and asylum-seekers, making the total number of forcibly displaced individuals over 3.8 million.
In 2015, Nigeria put in place a National Migration Policy to tackle issues such as irregular migration, border management, labor migration, migrants' rights, and engagement with the diaspora.
Mr Doro added that a revised National Migration Policy and its implementation plan were approved on August 19.
He explained that the new policy clarifies responsibilities, sets measurable outcomes, and improves migration data for better planning and reintegration.
The statement also mentioned that environmental damage and economic challenges are making affected communities more vulnerable. It warned that irregular migration can expose people to exploitation and other risks.
The agency did not explain how the revised national policy and Migration Vision @25 are linked or how the new framework will build on existing commitments.
IOM’s interventions
The IOM highlighted that it has provided humanitarian aid to over 2.5 million people since 2014. It has also helped nearly 500,000 displaced individuals with shelter.
Furthermore, the agency assisted over 737,000 people in accessing safe drinking water and facilitated the safe return of more than 72,000 Nigerian migrants.
Through its economic recovery programs, the IOM stated it has created or restored over 75,000 jobs through skills training and start-up support. It has also strengthened over 2,150 small businesses and trained more than 12,700 people in skills relevant to the job market.
The agency claimed it has supported six major national migration policies and frameworks with the Nigerian government. It has also improved border management systems at 33 locations across the country.
Looking ahead
Sylvia Ekra, the IOM’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, said Nigeria has the potential to influence migration across the region. She urged investment in skills, expansion of safe migration routes, and better cooperation between countries.
Sharon Dimanche, the IOM’s Chief of Mission in Nigeria, said the anniversary is a chance to celebrate the resilience of Nigerians and the impact of the agency’s work.
“Twenty-five years ago, IOM began its journey in Nigeria with just two staff members working from a small office in Lagos,” she said.
Ms Dimanche expressed hope that the agency can help create a future where fewer people face hardship and more can succeed.
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