Nigeria - Executive Governor of Katsina State Aminu Bello Masari and IOM last week (20/10) launched the Migration Resource and Response Mechanism (MRRM) project in the north-western Nigerian state, which borders Niger. 
IOM Nigeria, in collaboration with IOM Niger, is implementing the project, which is jointly funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the European Union (EU). DFID is providing GBP 80,000 for the community development component of the project, while the EU is providing EUR 50,000 for the group reintegration aspect.
The project aims to mitigate the impacts of irregular migration, fostering stability and enhancing community development through creation of better socio-economic conditions for returning migrants. It will also provide assistance to youth at risk of irregular migration through implementation of group reintegration activity and community projects to reduce irregular migration among young people.
Within the framework of the MRRM, IOM in collaboration with the Women’s Economic Empowerment Organisation, has already constructed a classroom and a borehole in Bagemu community, renovated one block of three classrooms and constructed two boreholes in Magama community. It has also reintegrated 16 returnees in their community of origin.
“Economic instability is sometimes inevitable and uncontrollable. However, what we can control is raising awareness in our community of the perils of irregular migration, to equip our communities with the necessary tools to be able to achieve economic empowerment that allow them to build something at home, rather than risk the dangers encountered during irregular migration to both neighbouring countries and Europe,” said IOM Nigeria programme manager Sara Hamo.
“Katsina State Government is very pleased with the IOM project in Bagemu Community Baure Local Government Area as it complements the efforts of the State Government in addressing the most important sectors of the society – education and youth empowerment,” said Governor Masari.
He promised to build a training centre where young people can learn income generating trades such as tailoring to be successful at home – removing the need to travel abroad as irregular migrants in search of work. Most young people return to the area from neighbouring countries including Niger, Libya and Benin.
For further information, please contact IOM Abuja. Ikechukwu Hillarion Attah, Tel: +234 8134673873, Email: iattah@iom.int  or Enira  Krdzalic, Email: ekrdzalic@iom.int