Nigeria is stepping up collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to address the rising tide of irregular migration, a trend linked significantly to the country’s youthful population and unemployment pressures, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has revealed.
Speaking during a recent meeting with IOM Deputy Director-General for Operations, Ms Ugochi Florence Daniels, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised the demographic realities driving migration patterns. “Over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population is under 40 and in urgent need of employment opportunities,” she stated, highlighting how these factors underpin the ongoing migration crisis.
The Minister further outlined the government’s ‘4-Ds’ foreign policy framework—Democracy, Demography, Diaspora, and Development—placing the Nigerian diaspora at the core of diplomatic efforts. “Our diaspora remains a vital catalyst for national growth, and citizen diplomacy is central to safeguarding their welfare,” she explained.
Acknowledging the pivotal role Nigerian migrants play economically, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu called on IOM to foster positive migration narratives. She urged continued efforts to dispel the myth of ‘greener pastures’ abroad driving irregular movements.
Praising the longstanding Nigeria-IOM partnership, the Minister commended the Organisation’s strategies focused on saving lives, protecting migrants, and delivering sustainable displacement solutions. Recent IOM support during devastating floods in Niger State—through rapid response teams and emergency aid to vulnerable families—was particularly highlighted.
Addressing funding challenges faced by IOM, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed the importance of developing programmes aligned with national priorities to meet migrants’ needs. She assured that Nigeria is taking concrete steps to meet its financial commitments and called for enhanced coordination between IOM, government agencies, and international partners.
As part of the United Nations’ UN80 reform initiative, Nigeria has also expressed openness to hosting relocating UN and international organisation offices from Geneva or New York, signalling its commitment to being a regional hub.
Ms Ugochi Daniels reaffirmed IOM’s dedication to the Nigerian government and people. “Nigeria leads in returns, with over 70,000 irregular migrants having been assisted home by IOM, and 27,000 reintegrated successfully,” she reported. Daniels emphasised IOM’s mission to promote humane and orderly migration as a pathway to achieving Sustainable Development Goals and Africa Union Agenda 2063.
She concluded by appealing for continued government support, stating, “We have comprehensive interventions in Nigeria and count on your partnership to advance our shared goals.”
