Abuja: The Civil Society Network of Migration Development (CSONetMADE) has called for the establishment of a migration governance structure across states to enhance effective migration management. This appeal was made during a two-day National Engagement on the Validated 2025 National Migration Policy and Integrated Implementation Plan held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Emeka Chris-Obiezu, the National Coordinator of CSONetMADE, highlighted the significance of implementing state-level coordination of migration. He emphasized that this approach would facilitate the sharing of ideas and responsibilities, ultimately leading to better protection for migrants and more effective delivery of country services. Chris-Obiezu noted that the aim of the engagement was to increase public awareness and understanding of the newly validated migration policy, particularly the aspects concerning state-level coordination.
Ms. Sharon Dimanche, Chief of Mission for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), praised CSONetMADE for their initiative. Represented by Ukamaka Anyanechi, Head of the Governance Diaspora and Partnership Unit at IOM, Dimanche stressed the importance of extending migration discourse beyond the federal level to include state and sub-state levels.
Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), also expressed gratitude to the civil society network for raising awareness about the new national migration policy. Represented by Catherine Udida, Director of Migrant Affairs at NCFRMI, Ahmed underscored the necessity for increased advocacy and awareness regarding the national migration policy at the state level.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the engagement, funded by the European Union, attracted stakeholders from various states to discuss migration issues.