Dabiri-Erewa Applauds ICMPD for Strengthening Nigeria’s Fight Against Irregular Migration

Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has praised the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) for its continued support in promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration in Nigeria.

Dabiri-Erewa made the commendation while receiving the ICMPD Head of Mission in Nigeria, Ms. Isabelle Wolfsgruber, during a courtesy visit to NiDCOM headquarters in Abuja.

She highlighted ICMPD’s long-standing partnership with NiDCOM, describing it as instrumental in strengthening migration governance and enhancing diaspora engagement efforts. The visit, she noted, comes at a crucial time as Nigeria intensifies efforts to curb irregular migration and maximize diaspora contributions to national development.

Despite awareness campaigns, Dabiri-Erewa revealed that over 6,000 Nigerians had been evacuated this year alone by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) due to irregular migration attempts.

“These figures reflect why we must work even harder to discourage irregular migration and offer more viable alternatives,” she said.

She emphasized the need for comprehensive diaspora policies, strategic planning, and international collaboration to tackle the root causes of unsafe migration. She also presented ICMPD with a copy of NiDCOM’s Voluntary Assets and Skills Placement for Returnees (VASP-R) policy, which is currently under review to enhance its impact.

“You gave such a poIn her remarks, Ms. Wolfsgruber applauded NiDCOM’s proactive approach and reaffirmed ICMPD’s commitment to supporting sustainable migration programmes in Nigeria. She lauded the Nigerian diaspora’s vast contributions beyond remittances, noting their intellectual and structural value to national development.werful intervention at the last diaspora summit, highlighting the full value of Nigerian remittances not just financial, but intellectual and structural. That’s where the true development power lies,” she said.

Wolfsgruber added that ICMPD will continue to engage donors and partners to align with NiDCOM’s strategic goals and ensure sustainable collaboration.

“This is not just about who funds what, but how we make the system work for itself. The Nigerian diaspora is a force for development, and we are proud to walk this journey with you,” she stated.