ActionAid: Conceited Efforts of All Needed for Seamless Migration of Returned Migrants

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria has called for conceited efforts from all sections of the society to make reintegration of returned migrants seamless in the country.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the at the Community Forum on Sustainable Reintegration of Returned Migrants in Nigeria and Project inception meeting for the ActionAid, GIZ RECONNECT Project, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, said all stakeholders should identify the barriers that still exist in seamless reintegration of returned migrants into the society and find solutions together.

He said: “This forum is a space for that kind of critical dialogue, and it is my hope that as we engage over the next few hours, we can begin to chart a way forward for more effective, inclusive, and sustainable reintegration practices.

“At ActionAid Nigeria, we recognise that sustainable reintegration is not a one-off conversation. It is an ongoing process that requires continuous engagement, collaboration, and action. That is why we are launching this forum as a biannual event. We envision this forum as a “community of practice” platform where stakeholders from different sectors, ranging from government agencies to civil society organizations, development partners, and returned migrants themselves, can come together to share insights, experiences, and best practices.”

Mamedu, who was represented by AAN Deputy Country Director, Hajia Suwaiba Dankabo, said: “So, I invite all of us—whether as organisations, institutions, or individuals—to take a moment to critically assess the state of our work. Are we truly meeting the needs of the individuals we serve? Are our interventions making a lasting difference? Are we ensuring that our work is sustainable and impactful in the long run? It is only by having these difficult conversations, not just within our own organisations but across the entire community, that we can begin to make headway.”

He highlighted two challenges faced in seamless reintegration of returned migrants into the society to include; the challenge of big numbers and that of lack of community support.

He noted that: “One of the consequences of this fragmentation is that some individuals have taken advantage of the system for personal gain, turning the status of being a returned migrant into a commodity. This undermines the credibility of our efforts and compromises the well-being of those we seek to support,” adding that: “Without effective coordination, we lose valuable opportunities to share intelligence, resources, and best practices, which could lead to more efficient and impactful interventions.

“We must ask ourselves: how can we promote true cooperation within the migration space? How can we create a shared platform that goes beyond meetings, trainings, and workshops to define and implement industry standards? How can we ensure that we are working in a way that maximizes our collective resources and expertise, rather than competing with each other? It is clear that our approach needs to evolve. We must prioritise collaboration over competition, sharing resources and intelligence to create a more effective and efficient system of support for returned migrants.”

On his part, the Honourable Federal Commissioner – National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs (NCFRMI), Hon. Tijjani Ahmed said the project, a timely and strategic initiative aimed at ensuring the sustainable reintegration and economic empowerment of vulnerable populations in Nigeria.

He further said: “Today’s gathering portrays our commitment to improving the quality of life, reducing suffering, and fostering long-term stability for those most affected by displacement, irregular migration, and socio-economic challenges.”

The Commissioner who was repented by a Director in the Commision, Ambassador Kathrene Udida, said: “At the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), we recognize that sustainable reintegration is about restoring dignity, ensuring livelihoods, and creating an environment where returnees can thrive ni their communities. This requires collaboration, innovation, and a people-centered approach, and we commend ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) and GIZ for their leadership and support in this transformative initiative.

“Therefore, Iurge al stakeholders, government agencies, civil society, private sector actors, and community representatives, to work ni synergy to ensure that this project delivers lasting impact. The success of reintegration programs depends on creating economic opportunities, strengthening social cohesion, and ensuring that returnees and displaced persons are not left behind.”

ActionAid: Conceited Efforts of All Needed for Seamless Migration of Returned Migrants