The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and other stakeholders are partnering to reshape the narrative around migration in Nigeria.
At a high-level meeting held in Abuja, stakeholders gathered to develop a comprehensive policy framework aimed at making migration in Nigeria safer, more orderly, and a source of national pride.
The meeting marked the inauguration of the Steering Committee for Component 3 of the “Support to Migration Governance in Nigeria” project.
Speaking at the event, UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Toure, emphasised the importance of the collaboration.
“Today, we gather not merely as representatives of institutions but as custodians of a shared vision: to transform Nigeria’s migration story from one of vulnerability to one of dignity, opportunity, and justice,” Toure said.
He highlighted Nigeria’s unique position in West Africa, noting that the country’s youthful population, creative energy, and dynamic economy place it at the heart of regional migration flows.
“It’s youth, entrepreneurs, artists, and labourers cross borders in search of livelihoods, education, and safety,” he added.
The initiative is expected to strengthen migration governance structures and promote sustainable development while safeguarding the rights of migrants.
“But too often, their journeys are marked by peril—exploitation by smugglers, violence at borders, and the anguish of families torn apart by trafficking.
“This is not just a policy challenge. It is a moral imperative.
“Today, we gather not merely to address these challenges but to redefine the narrative of migration in Nigeria—to make it safe, orderly, and a source of pride.
“This project, Component 3, of the Support to Migration Governance in Nigeria, is more than a program; it is a promise. A promise to the young woman dreaming of a better future beyond our borders, to the family seeking safety from conflict, and to the communities striving for sustainable development.
“Aligned with the UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Nigeria 2030, this initiative is a bold step toward strengthening our criminal justice system, safeguarding human rights, and building a society resilient against the scourge of trafficking and smuggling. Through five interconnected outputs, we aim to fortify policy implementation, enhance data-driven prevention, protect victims with unwavering commitment, empower law enforcement, and foster cooperation across borders and institutions.”
He also charged the newly inaugurated Steering Committee on the need to think beyond timelines and deliverables.
He said: “Today, as we review the Terms of Reference and the 2025 work plan, I urge us to think beyond timelines and deliverables.”
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To the members of this Steering Committee: You are not advisors—you are architects. The National Migration Policy and the Action Plan on Human Trafficking are blueprints, but you will turn them into action. Challenge us. Demand transparency. Insist on sustainability.
NAPTIP DG, who was represented by Mr. Rasheed Okatinji, Head, Data & Statistics, said, “For Nigeria, the challenges and opportunities presented by migration are both profound and complex. While migration can be a powerful force for development, it also presents risks when poorly governed. Risks such as irregular migration, human trafficking, labour exploitation, and transnational organised crime.”
He therefore said the project, Support to Migration Governance in Nigeria, Component 3, is timely, strategic, and deeply relevant.
He added: “It reflects our shared resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s migration architecture in a manner that is rights-based, gender-sensitive, development-oriented, and anchored in strong institutional coordination. Permit me at this point to express our profound appreciation to the European Union for its generous funding of this project.
“Your unwavering support continues to drive meaningful change in our governance landscape.”