VP Shettima says migration drives development, urges protection of migrants’ rights
On Monday, December 9, 2024, Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted the positive role of migration in driving global and national development, emphasizing that it goes beyond geographical movement and plays a vital part in economic and social growth.
Speaking at the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue, Shettima pointed out that migration contributes significantly to the economy, citing Nigeria’s $21.9 billion in diaspora remittances in 2022, which accounted for 64% of all remittances in West Africa. He also praised Nigerian migrants who excel in fields like technology, medicine, and the creative arts, noting that Nigerian startups founded by migrants attracted over $800 million in investments in 2022.
“We must acknowledge that irregular migration remains a persistent challenge,” Shettima said, referring to the return of nearly 10,000 Nigerians in 2024 who were detained for migration-related offences. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts to tackle these challenges while harnessing migration’s potential.
Shettima also assured that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to addressing migration issues. At the United Nations General Assembly, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM), aimed at ensuring migration benefits everyone while protecting migrants’ rights.
The Vice President also discussed several initiatives, such as the introduction of electronic gates at airports and the rollout of e-passports, aimed at improving migration governance and border management. He called for practical solutions to celebrate and advance the legacies and rights of Nigerian migrants.
In his address, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, emphasized the importance of the dialogue in reflecting on migration issues and formulating policies to address challenges. He also noted the Commission’s efforts to support all categories of migrants, including internally displaced persons and refugees.
The event also featured remarks from the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who praised the Nigerian diaspora for their contributions to global economies, and Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan, Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, who emphasized that migrants are entitled to fundamental human rights.
Looking ahead, Mojisola Sodeinde, representative of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), announced that Nigeria will take leadership of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development, known as the Rabat Process, starting in January 2025. This is seen as an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its leadership role in migration issues.
