The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has unveiled a comprehensive 25-year plan to strengthen Nigeria’s migration management system, Premium Times Nigeria reports.
According to the report, the IOM noted that it had provided humanitarian assistance to over 2.5 million people since 2014 and supported nearly 500,000 displaced people with shelter.
The IOM’s plan, titled ‘Roadmap for Migration Governance in Nigeria 2021-2046,’ aims to address the complexities of migration in Nigeria and the region, including irregular migration, human trafficking, and smuggling.
The report did not provide details on the specific interventions the IOM plans to implement during the 25-year period. However, it emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that includes strengthening border management, improving data collection, and providing support to vulnerable migrants.
The IOM’s plan is timely, given the increasing rates of irregular migration from Nigeria in recent years. The Nigerian government has acknowledged the challenges posed by irregular migration and has taken steps to address the issue, including the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Combating Illegal Immigration and Human Trafficking.
The IOM’s plan is expected to complement the Nigerian government’s efforts to manage migration effectively and protect the rights of migrants. According to IOM Nigeria’s Chief of Mission, Francesco Ceccarelli, the plan is a ‘blueprint’ for a ‘safe, orderly, and regular migration’ in Nigeria.
The IOM’s 25-year plan is a significant step towards addressing the complexities of migration in Nigeria and the region. With the increasing rates of irregular migration, the need for a comprehensive approach to migration management is more urgent than ever.
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