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National Migration Policy’ll Tame Illegal Movement – NCFRMI

Published

4 months ago

November 20, 2024

Joel Ajayi

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has stated that ongoing review of National Migration Policy will tamed the illegal migration and enhance migration governance and management in Nigeria.

Speaking at the at a three-day meeting of the Technical Working Group on Migration and Development on Tuesday in Abuja, the Federal Commissioner, (NCFRMI), Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, said that through advocacy and proper guidance, irregular migration would reduce in the country.

The Technical meeting put in place by NCFRMI, in Collaboration with International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Migration Partnership Trust Fund (MPTF)

He expressed that, the decision to review the national policy on migrations was agreed upon in 2022.

According to him, the policy aims to ensure that Nigerians migrate regularly and safely, avoiding dangerous routes like the Mediterranean Sea.

Ahmed further stated that the policy would provide directions and methods for Nigerians to follow, which would be benefiting to both individuals and the country.

“The committee has been set up to oversee the necessary processes and logistics related to the migration policy.

“Various issues related to migrations, including internal and international displacement due to flooding and banditry, are being addressed.

“The goal is to create a comprehensive and holistic policy to guide workers over the next five years,” he said.

Ahmed, therefore, encouraged the stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the discussions.

Their collective inputs, according to him, will help to produce a policy that prioritises Nigeria’s migration agenda and aligns with the international commitments.

“Together, we can produce a National Migration Policy that sets a benchmark for effective migration governance and positively impacts our nation and its people.

Speaking on Nigerian refugees, the federal commissioner said that many Nigerians were living as refugees, with no fewer than 53,000 in Cameroon alone.

“In Nigeria, there are about 25,000 refugees, with additional numbers in Chad and other regions.

“The government is working on repatriating these refugees back to Nigeria to integrate them into the community,” he said.

He However, encouraged participants to contribute meaningfully to the discussions to produce a National Migration Policy for effective migration governance and positively impacts in the country and its people.

In his remarked, Acting Chief Mission IOM Paola Pace who was represented by Medeiros Ana lauded the Nigeria government effort toward realization of the national policy on Migration which she believed if achieve will bring more growth and good Governance to the country.

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NICRAT, Roche, Oncopadi launch BRANT app for breast cancer care

Published

3 days ago

March 13, 2025

The Gleamer

NICRAT, Roche, and Oncopadi unveiled the Breast Cancer Access Navigation and Testing (BRANT) application on Thursday in Abuja, aimed at reshaping breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria.

At the launch, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), described BRANT as a significant step in the country’s efforts to enhance patient care and streamline support systems.

He emphasised that the app would also empower individuals battling breast cancer, offering them better access to resources and guidance throughout their journey.

Represented by Dr Waziri Usman, the Director of Cancer Prevention and Control, Aliyu emphasised that breast cancer remained one of the most prevalent and deadly forms of cancer among Nigerian women.

He noted that early detection, timely intervention, and leveraging technology could greatly improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

BRANT, he explained, was designed to make navigating the complex landscape of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment easier, by connecting patients, healthcare providers, support groups, NGOs, and civil society organisations into one unified system.

Dr Omolola Salako, CEO of Oncopadi, highlighted the shortage of oncologists in Nigeria, with fewer than 95 oncologists nationwide, particularly in rural areas.

She stressed the need for technology to bridge the gap, allowing oncologists to reach patients across the country.

“Oncopadi has already been mobilising cancer patients for online care and educational resources over the past seven years.

“In partnership with Roche, Oncopadi is supporting 5,000 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

“The collaboration leverages Roche’s expertise in oncology diagnostics and Oncopadi’s digital oncology capabilities to launch BRANT.”

Dr Ladi Hameed, General Manager of Roche Products Limited, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to address the growing burden of breast cancer through awareness, early detection, and access to treatment.

“The BRANT programme, which includes free immunohistochemistry testing and multidisciplinary teams, aims to remove financial barriers that delay diagnoses and treatment,”he said.

While the programme would run for the next 18 months, Hameed called for collective efforts to ensure its sustainability.

Mr Alexander Chimbaru, Deputy Country Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to Nigeria, lauded the initiative, calling it a valuable solution to reduce the burden of breast cancer.

He stressed the importance of taking action to ensure the programme’s success.

Dr Fatima Kyari, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), supported the initiative, urging the organisations to adhere to regulatory guidelines regarding specialist support, digital health tools, and patient information.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports BRANT is a user-friendly platform offering personalised care, expert consultations, diagnostic tests, treatment facilities, and support for patients throughout their breast cancer journey.

NAN

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