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

NSCIA Makes Recommendations to Tax Reforms Bill

By: Michael Mike

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has made recommendations to the Tax Reforms Bill before the National Assembly via a memorandum submitted to the Senate Committee on Finance.

The NSCIA, under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, being the apex Islamic body in Nigeria and superintending over the affairs of Islam and Muslims in the country, said it got to know about the public hearing through a media items on Monday.

NSCIA in the memorandum said the lack of prior notice created a constraint in making any submission before today (Tuesday).

The Memorandum read: “Meanwhile, considering the importance of the Bills in question to Nigerians, particularly the Muslim Ummah, we hereby make the following recommendations.

“the NSCIA, as the representative of all Muslims from all parts of the country, recommends that all the major technical and political-socio issues raised by different sections and segments of the country should be diligently considered equitably addressed to the satisfaction of almost, if not, all segments of the country.

“The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provides for the establishment of Shariah Court of Appeal for Muslim personal laws which include marriage and inheritance.

“Therefore, all sections of the Bills that may directly or indirectly impugn on the law on Shariah would be unconstitutional and should therefore be removed.

“The term “ecclesiastical” used in a section of the Bills should be changed to “religious” in other not to give the impression that it excluded some religious group.”

The NECIA said taken all the above into consideration, it recommends the passage of the Bills, adding that it appreciate the opportunity to make the submission and that it remains committed to constructive engagement in national policy formulation and legislative reforms.

NSCIA Makes Recommendations to Tax Reforms Bill

Support For Local Enterprise Catalyst For Sustainable Economy – VP Shettima

Lauds SecureID’s 20-year milestone in manufacturing, tech solutions

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has pledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to the health and survival of Nigerian enterprises, describing them as catalysts for a sustainable economic future.

He commended SecureID, the country’s leading smartcard manufacturing company, for its two decades of excellence in manufacturing and digital solutions.

Speaking on Monday during a tour of the SecureID Smartcard and Digital Solutions Facility in Lagos to mark its 20th anniversary, VP Shettima described the company as a shining example of Nigeria’s industrial and technological potential.

He praised the company’s evolution from a local startup to a continental leader in digital solutions, now capable of producing 200 million cards annually, including Nigerian international passports and voter identification cards.

He said, “This enterprise embodies the promise of what our nation can achieve when our innovative minds are given the support to compete with the rest of the world. From a humble local startup to a continental leader, SecureID has proven that with vision, dedication, and hard work, Nigerian businesses can stand tall on the global stage.”

Emphasizing that economic growth is inseparable from enterprise development, the Vice President noted that “time and again, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has demonstrated beyond words that the health and survival of our enterprises are the true catalysts of a vibrant economy.

“We can no longer afford to pay lip service to supporting businesses, regardless of their scale,” the VP stated, citing examples of government interventions designed to spur industrial expansion, including fiscal reforms and the Manufacturing Sector Fund, which encourages investment in key industries.

He maintained that the Tinubu administration has introduced strategic measures to bolster the nation’s economy, ensuring that enterprises like SecureID can thrive and drive national development.

“SecureID is proof that Nigeria is not just a consumer nation but a creator of world-class solutions. This is the standard we must uphold to transform our economy, create opportunities, and raise the living standards of millions of Nigerians,” the Vice President stated.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to fostering an environment where businesses can flourish, Senator Shettima assured that the administration is ready to help local industries fulfill their potential.

“We will continue to support enterprises by fostering an environment where innovation thrives and where every citizen has the opportunity to succeed,” he added.

Highpoint of the occasion was the tour of the company’s production facility by the Vice President, accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and other dignitaries present at the event.

Also present were the Group Managing Director of SecureID Ltd, Kofo Akinkugbe and Chairman of the company, Mr Dotun Suleiman; the Managing Director of Bank of Industry, Olasupo Olusi; Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation, Mr Kayode Opeifa; President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Otunba Francis Meshioye, and representatives of commercial banks, among others.

Support For Local Enterprise Catalyst For Sustainable Economy – VP Shettima