Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday revealed that Nigeria returned about 10,000 of its citizens detained for sundry migration offences across Europe and America in 2024 alone.
He also applauded what he described as the invaluable contributions of Nigerian immigrants to the global economy, saying Nigeria accounts for the highest of all diaspora remittances in West Africa.
The Vice President spoke on Monday during the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue with the theme, ‘Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting Their Rights,’ at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, revealed details of the closing ceremony in a statement he signed Monday titled ‘Migration: VP Shettima lauds Nigeria’s contributions to the global economy.’
Apart from diaspora remittances, Shettima said Nigerian migrants had become global ambassadors who excel in technology, medicine, sports, creative arts, and other human endeavours.
Noting that Nigeria is both a country of origin and a destination for migrants, with over 1.3 million international migrants living within, he cautioned against the constant challenges of irregular migration.
“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 offences in African and European countries.
“These figures highlight the vulnerabilities that come with migration and emphasise the need for coordinated efforts to address these challenges while harnessing migration’s potential for economic growth and resilience,” the VP warned.
The VP argued that migration is not a mere crossover from one geography to another. Rather, it is a critical driver of global and national development.
Buttressing his point with figures, he said, “In 2022 alone, Nigeria accounted for $21.9bn 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 $800m in investments in 2022, underscoring the transformative potential of our people across the globe.”
Senator Shettima observed that while the Annual National Migration Dialogue coincides with the commemoration of International Migrants Day, 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.”
Nevertheless, VP Shettima affirmed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to tackling the challenges of migration, a resolve he said the President reaffirmed at this year’s United Nations General Assembly.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu remains resolute in addressing migration challenges. Earlier this year, at the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, a vital framework to ensure that migration benefits all while protecting the rights of migrants.
“Our government’s response has been multi-faceted, involving several agencies and robust partnerships. The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, under the capable leadership of Honourable Federal Commissioner Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, 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 has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to innovation in border management, adopting modern technologies and policies to streamline processes and enhance efficiency,” he explained.
The VP further listed innovations aimed at addressing migration challenges including the “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.
The Vice President also cited partnerships with the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, among other agencies, pointing 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.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Ahmed, said the dialogue has provided an invaluable space to reflect on the migration conversation, progress and formulating policies to address their challenges.
He noted that this year’s theme aligns with the global theme of celebrating International Migrants’ Day, honouring the contributions of migrants and accepting their rights.
He noted, “Over the years, the Commission has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to meeting the needs of all categories of migrants, including internally displaced persons, refugees, asylum seekers and returnees.”
Also, the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the Nigerian diaspora represents the best of the world: hard-working, brilliant, intelligent, and developing world economies.
“The key question is, do we reduce irregular migration? We want everyone to come together to make sure that Africans are not dying in the process of making their lives better,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Professor Muhammed Ladan, in a keynote address, noted that migrants, by whatever classification, are human beings entitled to fundamental human rights.
“Nigerians in diaspora have never been parasites on the economy of any nation because they are known to be highly educated with personal attributes of resilience, hard work, skills, and excellence.
Also, the representative of the Head of Region, West Africa for the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, Mojisola Sodeinde, said Nigeria will take leadership of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development, also known as the Rabat Process, from January 2025.
He said Nigeria’s headship of this migration dialogue body, a gathering of 57 countries, is an opportunity for the country to show its leadership role.
