International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has facilitated the voluntary return of 4,432 Nigerian migrants through its partnership with the Federal Government.
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IOM Chief of Mission, Laurent De Boek, stated this during a media briefing in commemoration of the International Migrants Day, yesterday, in Abuja.

He said the year 2023 witnessed unprecedented increase in global migration, propelled by climate change, conflicts and economic disparities.

“Through collaborating closely with the Federal Government of Nigeria, IOM facilitated the voluntary return of 4,431 Nigerians with 2,909 finding accommodation at the Migrant Transit Centre.
“Since 2017, a total of 34,158 migrants have returned and 2,853 have received reintegration assistance, contributing to 21,713 reintegrated. Our support extends beyond mere return, with the establishment of reintegration hubs and the implementation of community-based projects; we have provided crucial assistance to returnees and their communities,” he said.

De Boek noted that the agency’s mental health and psychosocial support covered up to 106,947 individuals, providing beneficiaries with material and psychological support, referral services to victims of trafficking in persons, persons with disabilities and vulnerable households.

He added: “In our unwavering support to protection, IOM identified and supported 682 victims of trafficking in 2023. Our focus on vulnerable groups, including survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), as well as unaccompanied and separated children, is reflected in the development of policy documents such as Family Tracing guidelines.

“On this International Migrants Day, IOM underscores the need for people-centred and evidence-based solutions to the challenges posed by migration. When managed effectively, migration becomes a cornerstone of sustainable development, prosperity and progress.”
Migrants as workers, students, entrepreneurs and contributors to diverse communities, according to him, are powerful drivers for development.

“IOM remains dedicated to unlocking the power of migration. Together through collective action and collaboration, we can create a better tomorrow.
“Migration is not just part of the solution; it is a key component of economic prosperity and a response to climate change.”
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