The International Organisation for Migration and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing safe, orderly, and regular migration, as well as deepening engagement with the Nigerian diaspora.
During a courtesy visit to NiDCOM’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, IOM’s new Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Dimanche Sharon, commended the commission’s efforts in diaspora engagement and migration management.
She described Nigeria’s work in this area as a model for the African continent.
“Migration, when well-managed, is a powerful catalyst for sustainable development.
“We recognise the value of the Nigerian diaspora and their outstanding contributions, particularly through remittances, which are the highest in sub-Saharan Africa,” Sharon said.
Sharon noted that Nigeria received $20.1bn in diaspora remittances in 2022, making up 38 percent of the total remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa. She reaffirmed IOM’s readiness to collaborate more strategically with NiDCOM to support government efforts in delivering safer migration solutions.
Both organisations have previously worked together on the safe return and reintegration of stranded Nigerians during humanitarian crises.
Responding to the visit, NiDCOM Chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa welcomed the renewed collaboration and highlighted priority areas for joint action.
These include reviewing and implementing Nigeria’s Diaspora Policy, enhancing staff capacity through training and study tours, conducting joint awareness campaigns on the risks of irregular migration, and strengthening engagement through the Standing Committee on Diaspora Matters.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed the importance of viewing migration through a development lens and expressed confidence that the partnership with IOM would continue to yield positive outcomes for Nigerians both at home and abroad.
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