Abuja: The Federal Government on Tuesday identified three key steps to take in addressing the menace of irregular migration from Africa to Europe. Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, outlined these solutions at the opening of the first thematic meeting of the Rabat Process in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Nigeria assumed chairmanship of the Rabat Process, a key Euro-African dialogue on migration and development, in January 2025 and will pilot the process for the next year. The maiden meeting, themed ‘Youth, Innovation and Education- Driving the Future of Migration’, was attended by over 100 delegates from 57 partner countries.
Yilwatda emphasized the importance of tackling irregular migration, which involves the movement of people across borders that does not comply with legal frameworks, and its associated dangers and effects. He proposed creating spaces for digital skills, ownership, and migration literacy across Africa and Europe as a priority
solution.
The minister also highlighted the necessity of developing a harmonized migration policy framework to ensure qualification and reduce irregular migration. The establishment of youth innovation funds to support enterprises and returnees was identified as the third priority.
Yilwatda called for the collaboration of partners on migration governance to co-create youth innovation hubs, harmonized migration policies, and establish youth innovation funds to reduce irregular migration. While noting that over 80 percent of migrations were regular, especially for Nigerians, he stressed the importance of focusing on the 20 percent of irregular migrations that needed attention.
Migration, Yilwatda stated, should be seen as a strategy for peace, prosperity, and survival, not just for Nigeria but for the entire world. When governed properly, migration can contribute to development, knowledge exchange, and cultural resilience. He further emphasized the need for education and training to provide better opportunit
ies for young people.
Pilar Jimenez, Ambassador-at-Large for Migration Affairs of Spain, highlighted Spain’s migration policies, which are designed with active listening to the needs and concerns of African foreigners, their governments, and societies. She noted the launch of the new Spain-Africa strategy in December 2024, aiming for equal partnership and promoting regular migration, sustainable development, and shared prosperity.
Jimenez regarded Nigeria’s leadership in the Rabat Process, focusing on youth education, innovation, and regular pathways to prevent irregular migration, as timely and relevant. Gautier Mignot, Head of European Delegation to Nigeria, added that the EU supports awareness-raising campaigns and community-based programs to inform young Nigerians about the risks of irregular migration. The EU is committed to working with partner countries like Nigeria in migration management and legal migration processes.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the meeting was organized through
the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons under its Chairmanship of the Rabat Process.