The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has marked 25 years of operational presence in Nigeria, revealing that it has facilitated the voluntary return and reintegration of over 71,000 Nigerian migrants since 2017.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Trust in Abuja on Wednesday, Sharon Dimanche, Chief of Mission for IOM Nigeria, outlined the UN company’s evolution since opening its workplace in 2001.
She emphasised that the organisation’s function has shifted from strictly humanitarian response to long-term improvement and migration governance.
“Over the past 25 years, IOM has helped Nigeria develop a more comprehensive approach to human mobility,” Dimanche mentioned. “So far, we have assisted the return and reintegration of over 71,000 Nigerians as of October 14, providing direct reintegration support to over 45,000 returnees.”
Highlighting IOM’s expansive footprint throughout all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Dimanche famous important coverage achievements with the Nigerian authorities, together with the adoption of the National Migration Policy and the mainstreaming of migration into the National Adaptation Plan on Climate Change.
She additionally cited technological developments, such because the Migration Information Data Analysis System (MIDAS) put in at main transit hubs to make sure safer border administration.
Addressing present challenges, Dimanche pointed to shrinking international funding alongside rising humanitarian calls for, noting that Nigeria presently hosts over 3.6 million internally displaced individuals (IDPs) and a pair of.7 million returnees.
To bridge funding gaps, she referred to as for higher non-public sector involvement and stronger home financing.
“Nigeria holds the largest private sector on the continent. Engaging businesses to invest in active, displaced populations creates economic opportunities for all,” she defined.
Looking forward, Dimanche said that IOM’s subsequent focus centres on mobility, alternative, and resilience, aiming to develop common labour pathways, interact the Nigerian diaspora, and construct local weather resilience earlier than displacement happens.
She mentioned, “We have to faucet the event potential that comes together with migration. So, if the previous 25 years have been about constructing techniques, proof and partnership, the subsequent 25 years should be about translating that basis into safer mobility, into stronger communities, into higher alternatives for Nigerians.
“And I’d say the best asset for this nation is its folks, its youthful inhabitants. From the 230 million Nigerians, we’ve 60% who’re youthful and really good, very good.
“So, how can we utilise these? And most of them, as they transfer, they’ve aspirations. How can we use them? That’s the best asset of this nice nation, Nigeria.“
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