By Jacinta Nwachukwu
Actors in the migration sector have called for the protection of migrants’ rights and legacies, considering their significant contributions to national development.
This concern was expressed at the 2024 National Migration Dialogue, organised by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and partners in Abuja on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue focused on the theme “Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting their Rights.”
The actors emphasised the significance of migration in the development of civilisations, highlighting the exchange of ideas, culture, and innovation across borders.
Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, noted that migration was not just about movement but also about resilience, innovation, and contributions to society.
He emphasised the Commission’s dedication to meeting the needs of various migrant categories, including refugees, asylum seekers, and returnees.
Paola Pace, Interim Chief of Mission for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), stressed the need for effective policies to support migrants, highlighting their significant contributions to society.
According to Pace, over 281 million international migrants globally contributed to the economies of their host countries, with Nigerian migrants contributing over 10 per cent of the GDP in their host countries.
The EU representative, Ruben Aguilera, reiterated the European Union’s commitment to funding initiatives that prevent, protect, and prosecute trafficking, as well as providing viable alternatives to regular migration.
“Beyond these measures, the European Union is committed to providing viable alternatives to regular migration, with funding initiatives offering Nigerian migrants opportunities in Europe,” Aguilera said. (NAN)