Nigeria is set to deepen its collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to address irregular migration, strengthen diaspora engagement, and promote positive migration narratives, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has said.
Speaking in Abuja when the Deputy Director-General (Operations) of the IOM, Ms. Ugochi Florence Daniels, paid her a courtesy visit, Odumegwu-Ojukwu linked the surge in irregular migration among Nigerians to the country’s youthful demography. She noted that over 70 percent of Nigeria’s population is under 40, creating an urgent need for jobs and opportunities.
The minister highlighted that diaspora engagement remains a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy, built on the “4-Ds” framework—Democracy, Demography, Diaspora, and Development. According to her, Nigeria’s over 17 million citizens in the diaspora play a critical role in the nation’s economy, driving investment, innovation, and growth.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further urged the IOM to help dispel the “myth of greener pastures” which fuels dangerous migration journeys. She praised IOM’s interventions in supporting displaced persons, including its rapid response during recent flooding in Niger State, where emergency shelter kits and relief items were distributed to 1,000 vulnerable families.
Acknowledging the organisation’s financial challenges, the minister called for programmes aligned with Nigeria’s priorities and urged IOM to tap into novel financial partnerships from non-traditional donors. She added that Nigeria is open to hosting international organisations relocating under the UN80 Reform Initiative.
On her part, Ms. Daniels reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to Nigeria, noting that the country ranks first in migrant returns. She disclosed that no fewer than 70,000 irregular migrants have been returned, with 27,000 reintegrated through the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Programme (AVRR).
She stressed that IOM would continue working with Nigeria to promote safe and orderly migration, while supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
