Joel Ajayi

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for its commitment to inclusive and evidence-based migration governance, following the successful validation of the Revised National Migration Policy and its Integrated Implementation Plan (IIP).

Speaking at the  the meeting of the Technical Working Group on Migration and Development convened to validate the updated policy on Tuesday in Abuja., the IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria  Ms. Dimanche Sharon, expressed deep appreciation for the extensive effort behind the policy review, emphasizing that the process reflects Nigeria’s strong dedication to shaping a modern, data-driven migration system aligned with global standards.

According to her, this milestone is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to building a migration governance system that is inclusive, grounded in evidence, and aligned with global best practices.
 “Today’s gathering is not just another meeting—it’s the culmination of months of stakeholder consultations, technical research, and multi-agency collaboration.”

The IOM extended special recognition to the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) for its leadership in the process, as well as to the Technical Working Group for their expertise and dedication in producing a policy document that reflects the realities of contemporary migration in Nigeria.

With a population exceeding 216 million, Nigeria is experiencing increasingly complex migration dynamics driven by economic challenges, environmental pressures, insecurity, and aspirations for social mobility.

The IOM highlighted trends such as the rise of rural-to-urban migration, climate-induced displacement, and the “Japa” phenomenon, alongside Nigeria’s growing role as both a destination and transit country in the West African migration landscape.
“These developments underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and forward-looking migration governance.

 “The Revised Policy and its IIP reflect alignment with key global frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), the Migration Policy Framework for Africa, and the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol.”

She noted that the policy is grounded in data from national assessments, Migration Governance Indicators, and Nigeria’s Voluntary GCM Reviews. It addresses key migration priorities such as: The challenges of climate-induced displacement and the need for environmental sustainability;
“Strengthening migration data systems and governance;

“Harnessing the benefits of labor migration and diaspora engagement;
“Enhancing protection for vulnerable populations, including IDPs, migrants in transit, victims of trafficking, women, children, and persons with disabilities.

“This policy is not just a theoretical document—it is a call to action,” she added. “It calls for stronger collaboration among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies; a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach; and most importantly, a migration governance system centered on the rights and needs of migrants themselves.”

The IOM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria in the policy’s final adoption, resource mobilization, and implementation, and called on all stakeholders to champion the policy through to approval by the Federal Executive Council.

In his addressed, Minister of State for the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu, emphasized the importance of a coordinated national response involving ministries, agencies, civil society groups, and development partners.

He noted that the policy aligns with global best practices and international migration frameworks, with a particular focus on mitigating the loss of skilled professionals—especially in the healthcare sector.

He said the revised policy aims to foster “brain circulation” through partnerships between Nigerian and international universities.

“More than 1.4 million Nigerians have emigrated in recent years, with 51 percent of them holding tertiary education credentials,” Sununu stated.

“Initiatives such as transnational education agreements will help retain academic and medical talent while fostering knowledge exchange.”

In his address, the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Mr. Tijani Ahmed, explained that the revised 2025 National Migration Policy was developed in collaboration with development partners to address evolving migration challenges in Nigeria.

Speaking at the unveiling in Abuja, Ahmed stated that the policy seeks to balance the opportunities and risks associated with migration, ensuring Nigeria’s practices align with global standards, including the United Nations’ Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration.

“This update marks a major step toward modernising Nigeria’s migration governance,” Ahmed said. “Originally adopted in 2015, the policy has now been updated to respond to emerging realities such as economic shifts, conflict-driven displacement, and human trafficking.”

The review process was led by NCFRMI and involved a 19-member Policy Review Committee comprising representatives from government, civil society, academia, and international organizations. Ahmed stressed the importance of an integrated approach that ensures the policy is both locally relevant and globally aligned.

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