The International Organization for Migration, IOM, Nigeria has launched a five- year Strategic Plan the country, 2023–2027, targeted at supporting migration stakeholders in governing migration for gains.
Also to contribute to the Government of Nigeria’s long-term goals enshrined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF 2023-2027).
In her welcome remark “Deputy Director General for Operations, IOM, Mrs. Ugochi Daniels said ,1.3 million Nigerians are estimated to be facing an irregular migration situation and almost the same number are internally displaced. And therefore it’s essential to have measures related to displacement within our strategy to ensure that we can address these challenges effectively and solve the strategies designed to enhance the resilience of migrants, internally displaced people and the communities so that they can identify, cultivate, and Leverage needs to find sustainable solutions.
“To the drivers of irregular migration displacement and consequently foster safe and orderly migration are countries of origin transit and destination are able to reap the benefits of migration the strategy seeks to promote sound labor migration, and support the diaspora so that they can continue to contribute to the development of the country.
According to Daniels IOM in Nigeria plays a very big role in responding to urgent humanitarian needs.
She noted that “What we will achieve through this strategy is addressing the urgent needs of always with a line of sight to the longer term, sustainable solutions which should prevent future needs and of course, the youth are at the center of the current generation of future leaders who will shape global migration.”
Giving the overview of the Strategy, Mr. Laurent De Boeck, Chief of IOM Nigeria, further explained that the three strategic pillars of the document include resilience, mobility and governance.
According to him, The strategy will enhance resilience protection of migrants,IDPs and communities by addressing vulnerabilities and reinforcing capacities to implement sustainable solutions.
“It will optimise benefits of labour mobility for Africa integration as well as foster evidence-based processes to enhance government capacities to integrate migration policies and practices.”
In his remarks, Mr. Mathias Schmale, United Nations Resident Coordinator to Nigeria, commended IOM for its humanitarian response to the Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs) in the North East, Nigeria, including those who were affected by the flood during the 2022 rainy season.
Also speaking, Prince Clem Agba, Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, said IOM has been promoting international cooperation on migration as well as providing assistance to migrants and refugees and IDPs through orderly and safe migration.
Agba, who was Director Ministry of Budget and National Planning Dr. Lanre Adesonye said the Strategy is in tandem with Nigeria’s National Development Plan, while expressing confidence that the current strategy document will achieve far more than that of last year. Looking at the strategy, strategic priorities on resilience, mobility, governance, cross cutting teams, and the partnership and coordination as well as other contexts of this strategy.
