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

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