The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Türkiye are advancing plans to introduce a voluntary return and reintegration programme for undocumented Nigerian migrants living in Türkiye, in a move aimed at reducing deportations and supporting returnees with economic empowerment and social reintegration assistance.
The proposal was unveiled during a high-level meeting in Abuja between Turkish migration officials and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), as both countries work towards signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on voluntary return and reintegration.
Leading the Turkish delegation, Head of Removal Affairs at Türkiye’s Presidency of Migration Management, Hunkar Burkan Ibin, said the initiative reflects Türkiye’s commitment to a more humane and sustainable approach to addressing irregular migration.
According to Ibin, although the number of undocumented Nigerian migrants in Türkiye is relatively low, the country is keen to establish a framework that prioritises voluntary return over forced deportations.
He explained that under the existing system, undocumented migrants apprehended by authorities are taken to administrative detention centres while travel documents are processed through the Nigerian Embassy before deportation procedures commence.
However, he noted that migrants who voluntarily choose to return home would benefit from reintegration support unavailable to those deported.
“The programme will provide counselling, skills assessments and tailored assistance to help returnees rebuild their lives and become self-sustaining upon their return to Nigeria,” Ibin said.
Responding, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, welcomed the initiative, describing Türkiye as one of Nigeria’s key partners in diaspora engagement.
She noted that the first diaspora-focused Memorandum of Understanding signed by Nigeria with another country was with Türkiye, underscoring the strong relationship between both nations.
Dabiri-Erewa urged undocumented Nigerians residing in Türkiye to take advantage of the proposed scheme, assuring that NiDCOM would work closely with Turkish authorities to ensure commitments made to returnees are fulfilled.
“We will serve as a bridge between the Turkish authorities and Nigerians interested in returning home while ensuring the programme remains humane, transparent and beneficial to participants,” she said.
The NiDCOM boss reiterated Nigeria’s opposition to irregular migration, warning that migration conditions around the world are becoming increasingly difficult, even for individuals with valid documentation.
She also disclosed that the commission would collaborate with relevant agencies, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), to launch awareness campaigns on the opportunities offered by the voluntary return programme and the risks associated with undocumented migration.
Members of the Turkish delegation revealed that consultations are ongoing with key Nigerian institutions to finalise the operational framework for the programme.
The delegation has already engaged with the NCFRMI, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the CLEEN Foundation, while further discussions are planned with the Nigeria Immigration Service ahead of the signing of the MoU.
The proposed agreement is expected to strengthen migration cooperation between Nigeria and Türkiye while providing a more humane alternative to deportation for undocumented Nigerian migrants seeking to return home voluntarily.
