Vice-President Kashim Shettima has assured that President Bola Tinubu was committed to tackling the challenges of migration.
Shettima spoke on Monday at the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue with the theme, “Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting Their Rights,” at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He also stressed that the Federal Government remained resolute in addressing migration challenges.
”Our government’s response has been multi-faceted, involving several agencies and robust partnerships.
”The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), under the leadership of the Federal Commissioner, Aliyu Tijani, continues to lead Nigeria’s migration coordination efforts.
“This includes the ongoing review of the National Migration Policy to align with global best practices.
”Additionally, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has demonstrated unwavering commitment to innovation in border management, adopting modern technologies and policies to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.”
Shettima applauded the invaluable contributions of Nigerian immigrants to the global economy, saying that Nigeria accounts for the highest of all diaspora remittances in West Africa.
He said Nigerian migrants have become global ambassadors who excel in technology, medicine, sports, creative arts, and other human endeavours.
”Migration is not just a crossover from one geography to another. It is a critical driver of global and national development.
”In 2022 alone, Nigeria accounted for 21.9 billion dollars in diaspora remittances, representing 64 per cent of all remittances in West Africa.
”This is a testament to the invaluable economic contributions of Nigerian migrants. Beyond financial remittances, our migrants have become global ambassadors, excelling in fields such as technology, medicine, sports, and the creative arts.
”Nigerian startups founded by migrants attracted over 800 million dollars in investments in 2022, underscoring the transformative potential of our people across the globe.”
Shettima said that the Annual National Migration Dialogue coincides with the commemoration of International Migrants Day.
He noted that the theme of the dialogue sparks solemn “reflection on the dual essence of migration—its remarkable contributions to society and the enduring need to safeguard the rights of those who undertake these journeys.”
He said that Nigeria was both a country of origin and a destination for migrants, with over 1.3 million international migrants living within.
Shettima, however, cautioned against the constant challenges of irregular migration.
The Vice-President regretted that the nation returned about 10,000 of its citizens detained for sundry migration offences in 2024 alone.
”However, we must acknowledge that irregular migration remains a persistent challenge.
”In 2024, we have already returned and reintegrated no fewer than 10,000 Nigerians who had been detained for immigration offenses in African and European countries.
”These figures highlight the vulnerabilities that come with migration and emphasize the need for coordinated efforts to address these challenges while harnessing migration’s potential for economic growth and resilience.”
He listed innovations aimed at addressing migration challenges to include introduction of electronic gates at major airports to revolutionise the traveller experience.
”And ensure faster, more secure clearance,” as well as “the rollout of e-passports, designed with advanced security features, facilitates seamless international travel while enhancing the integrity of Nigeria’s travel documents.
“The NIS has also expanded access to Nigerian visas through online platforms, making it easier for travellers to apply and obtain visas.
” This includes the Visa-on-Arrival policy, which has enhanced Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for business and tourism,” he added.
Shettima cited partnerships with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), among such other agencies.
The Vice-President pointed out that they have been invaluable in advancing migration governance.
He implored participants at the dialogue to come up with practical solutions that, instead, celebrate and advance the legacies as well as the rights of Nigerian migrants.
