The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has officially validated the Revised 2024 National Migration Policy and its Integrated Implementation Plan.
The event, held in Abuja, marked the culmination of months of extensive multi-stakeholder consultations, with inputs from Government agencies, international partners, and civil society organisations.
The updated policy reflects Nigeria’s commitment to leading migration governance efforts in Africa, while aligning national strategies with global frameworks such as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union’s Migration Policy Framework.
Speaking at the high-level validation session, Sharon Dimanche, IOM Nigeria’s Chief of Mission, praised the inclusiveness and depth of Nigeria’s policy-making process.
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“This policy is the product of rigorous consultations, late-night research, and inter-agency collaboration. It’s not just a technical validation; it’s a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s leadership in shaping inclusive and globally-aligned migration systems”, she said.
The revised policy arrives at a time when global migration trends are shifting rapidly. With over 281 million international migrants worldwide and remittances to low- and middle-income countries reaching $669 billion in 2023, migration continues to be a key development driver.
Nigeria, which received an estimated $19.5 billion in remittances last year, relies heavily on these funds to support household needs such as education, healthcare, and livelihoods.
Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, Director General of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), emphasised that the updated policy responds to both national realities and global migration dynamics.
“We need adaptive and inclusive frameworks to tackle modern migration challenges such as climate-induced displacement, irregular migration, and the protection of vulnerable populations,” he said.
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Ahmed revealed that the revised policy was developed through a structured review process led by a 19-member committee, guided by the United Nations Network on Migration’s six-step approach to implementation.
Also speaking at the event, Abike Dabiri-Erewa Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), highlighted the urgency of addressing the plight of Nigerian migrants abroad. Referring to the recent rescue of 231 trafficked Nigerians from Ghana.
She said, “Migration is not a crime. We must do more to protect our citizens from exploitation and abuse. This policy must not just exist on paper, it must actively guide public awareness campaigns and cross-border interventions.”
The revised policy prioritises improved coordination among Government agencies, better migration data governance, climate resilience strategies, diaspora engagement, and legal migration pathways.
Dimanche noted that effective coordination remains key to implementation.
“Nigeria has proven that harmonising efforts across ministries and sectors is not only possible but essential for results”, she added.
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The IOM’s technical support and funding, through the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund, were crucial to the development of the new policy, ensuring inclusivity and alignment with international standards.
With the validation phase completed, the next step is to secure Federal Executive Council approval, after which the policy will guide Nigeria’s migration agenda in the years ahead.
“The presence of all stakeholders here today shows our shared vision. Together, we can build a migration system that is humane, coordinated, and development-focused”, Ahmed said.
