The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has reported that the number of Nigerians living abroad has surged to approximately 17 million, a significant rise from about 1.7 million in 2022 and 610,200 in 2000, according to Nigeria’s Diaspora Policy 2021.
IOM’s Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Paola Pace, attributed this increase to a notable boost in diaspora remittances. She shared this information during a virtual international migration dialogue organized by the Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM), themed ‘Migration Trends: Threats and Opportunities.’
Pace highlighted the necessity for ongoing capacity building, appropriate language use, and a human-centered approach in migration reporting. She urged journalists to focus on positive and impactful stories about migrants and stressed the need for creating safe migration pathways as a strategy against irregular migration.
The IOM Chief reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to assisting journalists in providing accurate migration information and exploring regular migration channels. She also noted that the IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration program had successfully returned 38,597 stranded Nigerians, with over 24,000 reintegrated into society.
During the dialogue, journalists Daphine Tolis (Greece), Biram Jobe (Gambia), Juliet Makwama (Zambia), and Bimbo Oyetunde (Nigeria) shared their insights on migration. They emphasized collaboration, media capacity building, and networking as vital components in combating human trafficking and irregular migration.
Vincent Adekoye, Communications Officer for the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), called on journalists to counteract false narratives spread by traffickers and advocated for comprehensive efforts from all stakeholders to develop effective migration policies and shift public perceptions.
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, noting that over 10 million have attempted illegal migration to Europe. He urged African governments to improve economic conditions, create job opportunities, and enhance media advocacy against irregular migration.
Dr. Ajibola Abayomi, President of JIFORM, welcomed participants and emphasized that the dialogue’s outcomes would be crucial for developing actionable strategies to address migration challenges and leverage its opportunities. He also highlighted the need to strengthen networks among journalists, stakeholders, and migration experts.
