The number of Nigerians living abroad has reached an estimated 17 million, according to Paola Pace, the Interim Chief of Mission for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria. Speaking during an international migration dialogue hosted by the Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM), Pace highlighted that this significant diaspora population is a major contributor to the country’s economy through remittances.
Drawing on the Nigerian government’s 2021 Diaspora Policy, Pace noted that the number of Nigerian emigrants has surged from 610,200 in 2000 to approximately 1.7 million in 2022. She emphasized the need for continuous capacity building and the use of human-centered approaches in migration reporting, encouraging journalists to share positive and impactful stories about migrants.
Pace also underscored the importance of creating safe migration pathways as part of the strategy to combat irregular migration. She reiterated the IOM’s commitment to supporting journalists in providing accurate information and promoting regular migration channels. The IOM’s efforts have included the successful return of 38,597 stranded Nigerians through its Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration program, with over 24,000 of these individuals reintegrated into society.
During the dialogue, journalists from various countries, including Greece, Gambia, Zambia, and Nigeria, discussed the crucial role of the media in addressing issues related to migration and human trafficking. Vincent Adekoye, Communications Officer for the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), urged journalists to counter false narratives spread by human traffickers and called for collaboration among stakeholders to develop effective migration policies.
Dr. Qasim Akinreti, Deputy Director of Digital and Media at the Voice of Nigeria, expressed concern over the high rate of irregular migration among Nigerian youths, with over 10 million attempting illegal migration to Europe. He called on African governments to improve economic conditions and create employment opportunities to deter irregular migration.
JIFORM President, Dr. Ajibola Abayomi, highlighted the importance of the dialogue’s outcomes in shaping strategies to address the challenges and opportunities presented by migration. He announced plans for JIFORM’s 5th Annual Global Migration Summit in Canada, and other workshops in Nigeria and beyond, calling for support from IOM and other migration organizations.