The interim chief of the Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, Paola Pace, alongside representatives from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), journalists from various countries, and other key stakeholders, has emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration to address irregular migration.
The initiative, aimed at updating stakeholders on recent efforts to tackle irregular migration, involved sharing insights and expertise to help participants align their strategies and enhance their approaches to preventing irregular migration and protecting vulnerable individuals.
The discussions took place during a virtual international migration seminar titled “Migration Dialogue,” organized by the Journalists International Forum for Migration (JIFORM) under the theme “Migration Trends: Threats and Opportunities.”
In her keynote address, Paola Pace highlighted the significance of continuous capacity building, precise language, and a human-centered approach in migration reporting. She underscored that journalists should focus on telling positive and impactful stories about migrants.
She noted that the number of Nigerian emigrants has surged from 610,200 in 2000 to around 1.7 million in 2022, significantly increasing diaspora remittances. Referring to Nigeria’s Diaspora Policy 2021, she mentioned that the Nigerian diaspora population is approximately 17 million.
Pace also stressed the importance of creating safe migration pathways as a countermeasure against irregular migration. She reaffirmed the IOM’s commitment to aiding journalists in delivering accurate information and exploring regular migration channels. Additionally, she highlighted the IOM’s successful return of 38,597 stranded Nigerians through its Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration program, with over 24,000 reintegrated into society.
Journalists Daphine Tolis (Greece), Biram Jobe (Gambia), Juliet Makwama (Zambia), and Bimbo Oyetunde (Nigeria) contributed their perspectives on migration. They emphasized that collaboration, media capacity building, and networking are crucial for engaging journalists in combating human trafficking and irregular migration.
Vincent Adekoye, the communications officer for NAPTIP, discussed the media’s strategic role in addressing irregular migration and human trafficking in Nigeria. He urged journalists to challenge the misleading narratives propagated by traffickers and called for a unified effort from all stakeholders to develop effective migration policies and improve public perceptions.
Dr. Qasim Akinreti, deputy director of Digital and Media at the Voice of Nigeria, voiced concerns over the rising trend of irregular migration among Nigerian youths, with over 10 million attempting illegal migration to Europe. He urged African governments to enhance economic conditions, create job opportunities for youth, and bolster media advocacy against irregular migration.
Dr. Ajibola Abayomi, president of JIFORM, highlighted that the seminar’s outcomes would be instrumental in developing actionable strategies to address migration challenges and leverage its opportunities.
He emphasized the need to strengthen networks among journalists, stakeholders, and migration experts. Dr. Abayomi also announced that JIFORM would host its 5th Annual Global Migration Summit in Canada and additional workshops in Nigeria and other countries, seeking support from the IOM and other migration organizations.
Notable attendees included Adewale Ojomo, director of the Diaspora Innovation Institute (France); Ambassador Collins Idahosa, governor of the Nigerian Youth Council in Sweden; and Modupe Adelanwa, executive director of the Shield Support Organization and National Secretary of the Network Against Trafficking, Abuse, and Labour (NACTAL).
Since its establishment in 2019, JIFORM has grown to include over 300 journalists and migration volunteers. The organization runs training programs for journalists and hosts several annual conferences, including the African Migration Summit, the West African Media Migration Summit, and the Annual JIFORM Global Migration Summit.
