Government, IOM launch new strategy to curb irregular migration and boost reintegration
The Federal Government on Tuesday unveiled a renewed strategy to curb irregular migration and dismantle human trafficking networks, warning that economic hardship and the growing use of digital platforms by traffickers are putting more Nigerians, especially women and young people, at risk across Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
The commitment was made as the government and international partners marked the fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive Protection, Reintegration and Assistance to Migrants and Communities, COMPASS Programme.
Officials revealed that over 1,000 stranded Nigerians have voluntarily returned from Libya, Lebanon, Morocco, Mali, Egypt, India and the United Arab Emirates under the programme. More than 900 vulnerable returnees have also received psychosocial care, healthcare and livelihood support to rebuild their lives.
—“Migration is not the problem”—
IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission, Sharon Dimanche, said the challenge is the absence of safe and legal pathways.
“Migration is not the problem. The challenge is ensuring that migration is safe, orderly and regular, while protecting the dignity of every migrant,” she said.
Dimanche noted that COMPASS has strengthened Nigeria’s migration governance by improving policies and institutional coordination.
She shared the story of “Joy,” a Nigerian woman trafficked abroad and subjected to severe exploitation. Through IOM’s psychosocial support and reintegration, Joy started a fashion business and now employs several young women.
“Joy is no longer defined by what happened to her. She is defined by what she has become,” Dimanche said.
—Government pledges dignity for returnees—
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, reaffirmed government’s commitment to returning migrants, refugees, IDPs and vulnerable communities.
He said the “One Humanitarian, One Poverty Reduction” framework under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda integrates humanitarian assistance with long-term poverty reduction.
“Migration, when properly managed, presents opportunities for national development. We will continue to strengthen institutions, expand livelihood opportunities and ensure that returning migrants are empowered to rebuild their lives with dignity,” Doro said.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by Director and Special Adviser Administration, Mrs. Erimfolami Ola, said women and children bear the greatest burden of trafficking.
She noted interventions in Edo State show that tackling poverty and unemployment reduces the drivers of irregular migration.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by Head of Youth Migration and Climate Action Resilience, Adedoyin Oyekan, pledged deeper collaboration with IOM to expand entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and employment programmes to discourage dangerous migration.
—Netherlands, NAPTIP back coordinated response—
Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Bengt van Loosdrecht, announced a football-based youth initiative to equip young Nigerians with coaching and life skills while raising awareness on the dangers of irregular migration. Participants will serve as community ambassadors for safe migration.
“Migration is fundamentally a human issue. Through COMPASS, we are investing not only in stronger institutions but also in protecting people, supporting survivors and preventing others from falling into the hands of traffickers,” he said.
NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Bello, described COMPASS as one of Nigeria’s most strategic partnerships against trafficking. She said the programme has improved investigation and prosecution through specialised training and better victim support.
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“Traffickers are adapting to technology, exploiting economic hardship and taking advantage of the aspirations of vulnerable young Nigerians. We must therefore strengthen partnerships among government, international organisations, civil society and communities to stay ahead of these criminal networks,” Bello warned.
—The bigger picture—
Stakeholders noted that thousands of Nigerians have in recent years embarked on perilous journeys across the Sahara and Mediterranean in search of opportunities. Many have died, while others were rescued from detention camps and exploitative labour.
They agreed that while law enforcement is critical, addressing poverty, unemployment and social vulnerability is key to tackling the root causes of irregular migration and sustaining the fight against human trafficking.
