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

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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

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Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

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Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday said that the Federal Government’s programmes and policies under President Bola Tinubu-led administration were improving the welfare of Nigerians.

Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of NOA, Gombe State office, stated this shortly after a road show to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary in Gombe.

Patari said that programmes and policies of Tinubu-led administration had supported many Nigerians from the student’s loan to conditional cash transfer to support to small businesses amongst others.

She stated that the initiatives by the present administration had restored hope and put the country amongst serious countries pursuing better reforms to improve their economy while revamping infrastructure.

According to her, many undergraduates benefitting from the student’s loan scheme which has removed all financial hindrances impeding access to tertiary education now feel a sense of belonging.

She said that the programmes and policies of the Federal Government have benefitted many households and improved their welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

“The reforms of the Federal Government are working and many persons are proud to be Nigerians and more persons are now trying to do the right things as Nigerians.

“People are beginning to see themselves as proud Nigerians and that confidence of being a Nigerian is being restored.

“Today, many Nigerians are benefitting from the programmes of the current administration, this means that the country is now working for them,” she said.

While acknowledging that there were still challenges that needed to be addressed, Patari said, at 65, we have made tremendous progress especially working together in peace and unity.

She urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu administration’s programmes towards building a better country that works for all Nigerians.

The state director said that with the necessary reforms being carried out and already yielding results in the economic, agriculture, security and other sectors, more Nigerians would be prouder to be Nigerians in the future.

“Today, the country is progressing and we are united; we are now prouder to be Nigerians and I can tell you that the labour of our heroes past, indeed is never in vain,” she added.

Commending the contributions of youths to national development, Patari urged them to have a positive mind-set towards Nigeria and to always express optimism of a better Nigeria for everyone.

Patari also lauded the renewed strength with which NOA under the Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu was being driven.

She said that government’s policies and programmes were getting more supports from Nigerians because of the constant engagements of Nigerians by the NOA nationwide.

The event also featured sensitisation of residents on Federal Government’s policies, programmes and the need for the people to support the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda

Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

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Nigeria, European Union hold inaugural Trade and Investment Dialogue

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Nigeria, European Union hold inaugural Trade and Investment Dialogue

By: Michael Mike

Senior Government officials of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have today met in Abuja to assess the vibrant economic partnership between the two parties and chart a way forward.

The inaugural Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Trade and investment Dialogue (TID) was anchored by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, and Director of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE), Ms Dora Correia,

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot,, welcomed the launch of the Dialogue, which they said underscored the growing importance attached to trade and investment in the EU-Nigeria partnership.

This Senior Officials’ meeting marks an important step in strengthening the trade and investment partnership between the EU and Nigeria, and provided opportunity for the officials to exchange views on areas of mutual interest; address potential challenges and explore opportunities for further collaboration.

Discussions focused on a range of issues, including trade and investment policy, cooperation on market access barriers and requirements, preferential trade and investment arrangements, investment, collaboration within the World Trade Organization (WTO), regulatory measures that could impact trade and investment, and the identification of trade and investment-related development cooperation areas.

Both sides expressed their interest to continue the Dialogue, with the second TID billed to take place in Brussels, Belgium, in 2026, on a date to be jointly decided.

Nigeria, European Union hold inaugural Trade and Investment Dialogue

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FG Declares Wednesday, Oct. 1 Public Holiday to Marks 65th Independence Anniversary

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FG Declares Wednesday, Oct. 1 Public Holiday to Marks 65th Independence Anniversary

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, 1st of October as a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

The Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated all Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora on this historic occasion.

Tunji-Ojo, in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, enjoined citizens to continue to uphold the patriotic spirit, unity, and resilience that have sustained the nation since independence in 1960.

He urged Nigerians to further keep faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which is anchored on national rebirth, economic transformation, and collective prosperity.

The Minister expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of all Nigerians, the country will continue to grow stronger in peace, progress, and development.

He wished Nigerians a happy and memorable 2025 Independence Day celebration.

FG Declares Wednesday, Oct. 1 Public Holiday to Marks 65th Independence Anniversary

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