UNODC, NAPTIP, Immigration, MDAs, Collaborate to Change Nigeria’s Migration Landscape

By: Michael Mike

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI); the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and other stakeholders are collaborating to change the landscape of Migration in Nigeria.

The stakeholders met in Abuja on Wednesday to provide a policy framework for migration governance for the country, with the purpose of making it safe, orderly, and a source of pride.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee for Component 3 of the Support to Migration Governance in Nigeria, UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure said: “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.”

He noted that: “Nigeria is a nation of vibrant energy, a youthful spirit, and boundless potential. As the heartbeat of West Africa, this country stands at the crossroads of migration—a force that shapes its communities, its economy, and its future. Its youth, its entrepreneurs, its artists, and laborers move across borders seeking livelihoods, education, and safety.

“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,” he added that: “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 tasked the newly inaugurated Steering Committee on the need to think beyond timelines and deliverables, stating that: “Today, as we review the Terms of Reference and the 2025 work plan, I urge us to think beyond timelines and deliverables.”

He said: “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, Binta Adamu who was represented by the agency!s Head, Data & Statistics, Mr. Rasheed Okatinji, 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.”

She therefore said the project, Support to Migration Governance in Nigeria, Component 3, is timely, strategic, and deeply relevant.

She added: “It reflects our shared resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s migration architecture in a manner that is rights-based, gender-sensitive, development-orientated, 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”.

UNODC, NAPTIP, Immigration, MDAs, Collaborate to Change Nigeria’s Migration Landscape

Nigeria, Mexico to Bolster Trade Relations with Inauguration of Chamber of Commerce

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (NMCC) has been inaugurated to enhance trading relations between Nigeria and Mexico.

The inauguration took place in Abuja on Tuesday where the members of the Board of Directors were introduced to the members of the public.

The Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Amb. Alfredo Miranda, during the inauguration ceremony organised by the embassy in Abuja described NMCC as a new chapter in the economic, cultural and strategic relations between the two great nations.

He stated that NMCC would bridge businesses, ideas, innovation and opportunities between Nigeria and Mexico, as two countries rich in heritage, resilient in spirit and bold in ambition.

According to him, the NMCC would serve as a catalyst and provide critical support to businesses from both countries, promote trade and investment, offer market intelligence and foster mutual understanding.

Miranda said: “This is the moment we are certain will work, create new narrative and show to people that together Nigeria and Mexico are big power houses.

“The two countries do wonderful work for their continents. We have to continue working in trade, this is why it is important to focus on these strategic areas and see the capacity of some countries.

“I believe that in the future, we will have more positive figures than what we have just done. “

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, underscored the need for both countries to strengthen their bilateral ties to harness economic potential.

Tuggar, who was represented by Amb. Anderson Madubuike, Director, Economic, Trade and Investment Department of the ministry, said: “There are so much that the two countries can do in advancing global economy, good enough this NMCC has come at auspicious moment.

“By talking about globalisation we are saying African countries must come together to take their rightful places in the committee of nations.”

Also speaking, the Minister of Livestock and Rural Development, Mr Idi Mukhtar, promised to open new-vista for agriculture to thrive through adequate investment in production of red meat, animal disease management and processing of diary.

Mukhtar said, Nigeria today imports not less than 1.5 billion USD worth of diary products, we are hoping to upscale operations of the red meat industries, create opportunities and competition at the international market.

“So, the ministry is open to investment and this is where we have been able to send message to all captains of industry and the newly created Nigerian-Mexico,” he said.

For her part, the President of NMCC, Arim Topete, commended the event marked new era for the chamber to be built on trust, opportunity and vision.

According to her, Mexico is not just a regional powerhouse, it is the 12th largest economy in the world with a Gross Domestic Product of 1.8 trillion dollars.

Pete said, “We are going to focus on trade with Nigeria as our primary focus. Times have changed and the rules of trade have also been rewritten.

“So it is a good time for NMCC because there are so many opportunities across both countries. Our economies are so complimentary, it is for us to now start the initiative,” she said.

The event attracted the President of NMCC the Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dele Kelvin Oye,

Others include representatives of the Nigeria trade chambers. diplomats and leaders of the private sector.

NMCC was established to promote bilateral trade and investment, support businesses in navigating regulatory landscapes and foster collaborations that generate jobs, technology and knowledge across both countries.

Nigeria, Mexico to Bolster Trade Relations with Inauguration of Chamber of Commerce

FG, IOM Tackle Irregular Migration with Revised 2024 Policy

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government in partnership with the United Nations’ International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has officially validated the Revised 2024 National Migration Policy and its Integrated Implementation Plan.

The validation event, held in Abuja on Tuesday, marked the culmination of months of extensive multi-stakeholder consultations, with inputs from government agencies, international partners, and civil society organisations.

The updated policy reflects Nigeria’s commitment to leading migration governance efforts in Africa, while aligning national strategies with global frameworks such as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union’s Migration Policy Framework.

Speaking at the high-level validation session, IOM Nigeria’s Chief of Mission, Sharon Dimanche praised the inclusiveness and depth of Nigeria’s policy-making process.

She said: “This policy is the product of rigorous consultations, late-night research, and inter-agency collaboration. It’s not just a technical validation; it’s a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s leadership in shaping inclusive and globally-aligned migration systems.”

The revised policy arrives at a time when global migration trends are shifting rapidly. With over 281 million international migrants worldwide and remittances to low- and middle-income countries reaching $669 billion in 2023, migration continues to be a key development driver.

Nigeria, which received an estimated $19.5 billion in remittances last year, relies heavily on these funds to support household needs such as education, healthcare, and livelihoods.

Director General of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, emphasised that the updated policy responds to both national realities and global migration dynamics.

He said: “We need adaptive and inclusive frameworks to tackle modern migration challenges such as climate-induced displacement, irregular migration, and the protection of vulnerable populations.”

Ahmed explained that the revised policy was developed through a structured review process led by a 19-member committee, guided by the United Nations Network on Migration’s six-step approach to implementation.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the urgency of addressing the plight of Nigerian migrants abroad. Referring to the recent rescue of 231 trafficked Nigerians from Ghana.

She said: “Migration is not a crime. We must do more to protect our citizens from exploitation and abuse. This policy must not just exist on paper, it must actively guide public awareness campaigns and cross-border interventions.”

The revised policy prioritises improved coordination among government agencies, better migration data governance, climate resilience strategies, diaspora engagement, and legal migration pathways.

Dimanche noted that effective coordination remains key to implementatio, adding that: “Nigeria has proven that harmonising efforts across ministries and sectors is not only possible but essential for results”, she added.

The IOM’s technical support and funding, through the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund, were crucial to the development of the new policy, ensuring inclusivity and alignment with international standards.

With the validation phase completed, the next step is to secure Federal Executive Council approval, after which the policy will guide Nigeria’s migration agenda in the years ahead.

“The presence of all stakeholders here today shows our shared vision. Together, we can build a migration system that is humane, coordinated, and development-focused”, Ahmed said.

FG, IOM Tackle Irregular Migration with Revised 2024 Policy