Abuja – The Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), launched today (19/11) the Migration Governance Indicators (MGI) follow-up assessment to identity and address migration governance gaps, and explore opportunities to integrate durable solutions into the country’s national migration governance framework.

The follow-up assessment builds upon the findings of the previous Migration Governance Indicators (MGI) assessment, conducted in 2021, and which provided for the first time a comprehensive view of Nigeria’s migration governance architecture.

Highlighting the importance of migration governance for Nigeria’s development, the Honorable Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Alhaji Aliyu Ahmed, said: “As we are currently reviewing the 2015 National Migration Policy, the MGI tool will help us assess our migration governance structures as set out in the policy, and inform the design of future migration policies in alignment with the sustainable development goals as well as the Global Compact for Migration”.

Nigeria’s migration dynamics are characterized by a rich tapestry of movements, including internal migration, international emigration, and immigration. Latest data by IOM shows that more than 2 million people are currently internally displaced across the country. To this is added cross-border trade with all of the country’s immediate neighbors, and a vibrant diaspora whose potential for development remains largely untapped, despite the importance of its remittances.

This fluid environment presents numerous opportunities to harness the potential benefits of migration for national development. Launched in 2016 in partnership with The Economist, the MGI process is one of IOM’s flagship policy initiatives offering insights on policy levers that countries can use to enhance their migration governance.

" This follow-up assessment represents a crucial opportunity for Nigeria to enhance its migration governance framework, aligning it with international standards and best practices. By leveraging the insights from the previous MGI assessment and focusing on durable solutions, we are poised to create a more inclusive and effective migration framework that ensures no migrants are left behind in Nigeria," said Paola Pace, IOM Nigeria’s Chief of Mission ad interim, during the launch event held in Abuja, Nigeria. "Our partnership with the Government of Nigeria underscores our commitment to supporting sustainable and comprehensive migration management", she added.

By effectively managing migration, Nigeria can leverage the skills and remittances of its diaspora, attract foreign talent, and foster socio-economic growth. Additionally, embracing migration governance reforms offers the chance to address vulnerabilities, promote the protection of migrants' rights, including victims of trafficking and smuggling, and enhance the well-being of migrants through a whole-of-society approach. The integration of durable solutions into migration policies is pivotal, as it ensures that the positive impacts of migration are maximized

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For further information, please visit www.nigeria.iom.int or contact François-Xavier Ada, Public Information Officer. Email: fadaaffana@iom.int.