…reminds South Africans of Nigeria’s role in fight for freedom
The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, has assured that the federal government is committed to tackling challenges of migration.
The VP, while commending the contributions of Nigerian immigrants to the global economy, said Nigeria accounts for the highest of all diaspora remittances in West Africa.
According to him, Nigerians in the diaspora accounted for $21.9 billion in remittances in 2022, representing 64% of all remittances in West Africa.
He added that Nigerian migrants have become global ambassadors who excel in technology, medicine, sports, creative arts, and other human endeavours.
The Vice President spoke on Monday during the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue with the theme, “Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting Their Rights,” at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said there was need for Nigerians outside the country to be proud and be good ambassadors of the country they find themselves.
He said: “Migration is not just a crossover from one geography to another. It is a critical driver of global and national development. In 2022 alone, Nigerians in the diaspora accounted for $21.9 billion in remittances, representing 64% of all remittances in West Africa.
This is a testament to the invaluable economic contributions of Nigerian migrants.
“Beyond financial remittances, our migrants have become global ambassadors, excelling in fields such as technology, medicine, sports and creative arts. Nigerian startup founded by migrants attracted over $800 million in investments in 2022. This underscores the transformative potential of our people across the world.”
He also hinted that Nigeria is both a country of origin and a destination for migrants, with over 1.3 million international migrants living within.
Shettima while cautioning against the constant challenges of irregular migration, stated that the country repatriated about 10,000 of its citizens detained for migration offences in 2024 alone.
“We must acknowledge that irregular migration remains a persistent challenge. In 2024, we have already returned and reintegrated no fewer than 10,000 Nigerians who had been detained for immigration offences in African and European countries.
“These figures highlight the vulnerabilities that come with migration and emphasize the need for coordinated efforts to address these challenges while harnessing migration’s potential for economic growth and resilience.
“The federal government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu remains resolute in addressing migration challenges. Earlier this year, at the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM), a vital framework to ensure that migration benefits all while protecting the rights of migrants.
“Our government’s response has been multi-faceted, involving several agencies and robust partnerships. The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), under the capable leadership of Honourable Federal Commissioner Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, continues to lead Nigeria’s migration coordination efforts.
“This includes the ongoing review of the National Migration Policy to align with global best practices. Additionally, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has demonstrated unwavering commitment to innovation in border management, adopting modern technologies and policies to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.”
Shettima added that the introduction of electronic gates at major airports to revolutionize the traveller experience and ensure faster, more secure clearance and the launch of e-passports, designed with advanced security features, are some of the steps taken to address migration challenges.
Shettima, while calling on Nigerians outside to be good ambassadors, said the country is proud of Kemi Badenoch despite her comments.
He, however, noted that her comments are not the sacred truth.
Shettima said: “There is a need for us to respect and cherish immigrants. Migrants are the source of life in all societies. Rishi Sunak, the former British Prime Minister, originally from India, a very brilliant young man, he never denigrated his nation of ancestry, nor poured venoms on India.
“Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party; we are proud of her. Despite her efforts in denigrating her nation of origin, she is entitled to her opinions. She has every right to remove the Kemi from her name. But that does not underscore the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria.
“I’m a proud Nigerian. Kemi Badenoch is entitled to her own opinion, but her opinion is not the sacred truth.”
He also reacted to the call for impeachment of the President of South Africa following the Visa rights given to Nigerians.
He said: “80% of African migration remains within the continent, presenting a largely untapped opportunity of regional integration and economic development. It is saddening to note that some South Africans are clamouring for the impeachment of their president for enhancing the Visa rights of Nigerians.
“Unless they suffer from memory amnesia, Nigeria, more than any other country, contributed to the liberation of the South African nation.
“We are not gloating, but we are just reminding them, let them know that the trajectory of global growth is Africa and Nigeria will make a destination. If Nigeria works, Africa works, and Nigerians are not going to other parts of the nation to become beggars.
“Yes, we have the bad eggs engaging in anti-social activities, but Nigerians generally are very proud and productive people; the most commonly mobile immigrant community in the United States are Nigerian Americans. So let no one take us for granted. Let no nation take us to the cleaners.”
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said Nigeria’s headship of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development, the Rabat Process in 2025 will allow the country to showcase its leadership role in migration space globally.
He said: “Using the Rabat process, we drive all the processes to ensure that all migrants have their rights protected. We also aim to amplify the narratives of African migrants as drivers of innovation and development, while fostering stronger partnerships to address migration challenges.”
The Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Tijani Ahmed, said migration is not only a story of displacement or return but also one of resilience, innovation, and contributions to society.
On the resilience of Nigerians and the contributions to the countries of destination, Ahmed said: “In the United States, Nigerian-Americans have distinguished themselves through exceptional achievements. Their median income is reportedly higher than the national average and surpasses that of several other ethnic groups.
Furthermore, 29% of Nigerian Americans hold graduate degrees, a remarkable statistic compared to the 11% recorded for the overall U.S. population. These accomplishments underscore the importance of education and resilience within the Nigerian diaspora.”
He also revealed that Nigeria currently hosts over 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers.
On the voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees, he said: “The Commission has identified 53,000 Nigerian Refugees residing in Cameroon, 14,000 in Niger, and 21,000 in Chad. Out of this number, 14,000 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon have expressed their willingness to return home, with 7,000 specifically seeking an unconditional return.
“The Commission is currently developing strategies to facilitate the safe and dignified return of these refugees while highlighting the pressing need for increased funding and material support to enhance its capacity to fulfil this critical national mandate effectively”.
