Federal Government has applauded what it described as the invaluable contributions of Nigerian migrants to the global economy, just as it discloses that the country accounts for the highest of all diaspora remittances in West Africa.

Apart from diaspora remittances, the government said Nigerian migrants had also become global ambassadors, who excel in technology, medicine, sports, creative arts, and other human endeavours.

Vice President Kashim Shettima spoke 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.

He said: “Migration is not just a crossover from one geographical location to another. It is a critical driver of global and national development. In 2022 alone, Nigeria accounted for $21.9 billion 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 in investments in 2022, underscoring the transformative potential of our people across the globe.”

According to Shettima, 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.”

Noting that Nigeria is both a country of origin and a destination for migrants, with over 1.3 million international migrants living within, he however cautioned against the constant challenges of irregular migration, even as he 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 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,” Shettima warned.

Nevertheless, he said President Bola Tinubu-led administration was committed to tackling the challenges of migration, a resolve, he said, the President reaffirmed at this year’s United Nations General Assembly.

Shettima further 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.