The federal government has unveiled plans to promote regular migration as a means of increasing investments and remittances from Nigerians in the diaspora. Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), disclosed that the country generated $23 billion from remittances in 2023. He emphasized that Nigeria could achieve even greater economic gains if the challenges faced by migrants are addressed.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Ahmed highlighted the link between regular migration and national development. He noted that Nigerians who migrate through formal channels are more likely to contribute to the economy through remittances and investments. “When Nigerians leave the country regularly, we will receive more remittances that would enhance the development of the country. Some Nigerians who leave our country send their investment back home, and they cannot do that when they don’t leave this country,” he said.
The commissioner acknowledged concerns about the treatment of Nigerians abroad, including cases of maltreatment and involuntary deportations. He assured that the government is actively working to address these issues through diplomatic engagements. “We have been receiving reports that Nigerians living outside the country are being maltreated, and Nigeria is doing something about it. We are interfacing with some countries to ensure that they are well protected,” Ahmed stated.
Ahmed also pointed to Nigeria’s upcoming chairmanship of the Rabat Process in 2025 as an opportunity to strengthen protections for Nigerian migrants. The Rabat Process, an international migration dialogue, focuses on creating partnerships to address migration challenges between Africa and Europe. “When Nigeria becomes the Chair of the Rabat Process, we will look into issues of maltreatment, involuntary deportations, and ensure that Nigerians are well protected,” he added.
The announcement comes ahead of the 2024 National Migration Dialogue (NMD), themed “Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting Their Rights.” Ahmed described the event as a critical platform for addressing irregular migration, fostering regular migration pathways, and equipping migrants with the tools to make meaningful contributions to society.
According to Ahmed, the 2024 NMD theme underscores the vital role migrants play in socio-economic development, both in their home countries and abroad. He stressed the importance of safeguarding their rights, providing access to decent work, and ensuring safe migration pathways. “The more Nigerians migrate regularly to other countries and engage themselves in good jobs, the more Nigeria’s remittances are enhanced, and the economy will also develop,” he said.
Nigeria holds a unique position in the global migration landscape, serving as both a significant origin and destination country. With a large diaspora contributing to national development through remittances and investments, the commissioner emphasized the need for proactive dialogue to harness these contributions effectively.
The forthcoming dialogue also serves as an opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its preparedness to lead in migration governance. Ahmed reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering regular migration pathways, addressing migrant challenges, and ensuring the economic benefits of migration are maximized for national development.
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