‘IOM facilitated return of 40,000 migrants to Nigeria in seven years’

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has said it has made possible the return of over 40,000 migrants to Nigeria since 2017.

The chief mission of the IOM, Paola Pace, disclosed this during the official handover of vital materials for migrant support to the Edo State Migration Agency (ESMA) in Benin City.

Pace said that the 40,000 migrants the agency has returned to Nigeria within seven years include 8,088 from Edo State, many of whom are victims of trafficking and other forms of exploitation.

“The collaboration underscores our commitment to supporting Edo State’s efforts to prevent human trafficking and ensure the safety of vulnerable migrants and community members,” Pace said at the ceremony, highlighting the significance of the intervention.

“We express gratitude to the Italian government for their unwavering support in making the project a reality as the materials provided are very important.

“These tools will strengthen the Edo State Migration Agency’s capacity to manage cases effectively, foster reintegration, and provide crucial services for returning migrants.”

The items provided include; ICT equipment, a shelter, and a case management database, aimed at enhancing the agency’s capacity to support migrants and curb human trafficking.

The handover was part of the Managing Migration Through Development (MMDP) 2.0 project, implemented in collaboration with the Italian government and other stakeholders, with the initiative aimed at addressing irregular migration, promote safe migration, and protect vulnerable individuals in Edo State.