The population of Nigerians residing in other countries across the globe is now estimated to be 17 million.
The huge figure, according to the Interim Chief of Mission for the International Organisation for Migration in Nigeria (IOM), Paola Pace, is significantly boosting diaspora remittances.
Pace who cited Government of Nigeria’s Diaspora Policy 2021, said the number of Nigerian emigrants jumped from 610,200 in 2000 to approximately 1.7 million in 2022.
She was speaking during a virtual international migration dialogue, organized by the Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM) with the theme: ‘Migration Trends: Threats and Opportunities’.
Pace emphasized the importance of continuous capacity building, the use of appropriate language, and a human-centered approach in migration reporting as essential tools for journalists to effectively cover migration issues.
The IOM Chief also urged journalists to tell positive and impactful stories about migrants,
She underscored the importance of creating safe pathways as part of counter-strategies against irregular migration.
While acknowledging that migration is a significant driver of human development, the guest speaker at the dialogue reaffirmed the IOM’s commitment to supporting journalists in disseminating accurate information and exploring regular migration channels.
Pace mentioned that the IOM successfully returned 38,597 stranded Nigerians through its Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration program, with over 24,000 reintegrated into society.
Participating journalists, Daphine Tolis (Greece), Biram Jobe (Gambia), Juliet Makwama (Zambia), and Bimbo Oyetunde (Nigeria) shared their perspectives on migration, identifying collaboration, media capacity building, and networking as key elements in strategic communication efforts to engage journalists in the fight against human trafficking and irregular migration.
Speaking further on the strategic roles of the media in mitigating irregular migration and human trafficking in Nigeria, Vincent Adekoye, Communications Officer for National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), urged journalists to counter the false narratives promoted by human traffickers.
Adekoye called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to develop effective migration policies and reshape public perceptions.
Dr. Qasim Akinreti, Deputy Director, Digital and Media at the Voice of Nigeria, expressed concerns over the alarming rate of irregular migration among Nigerian youths, with over 10 million attempting illegal migration to Europe.
Akinreti called on African governments to improve economic conditions, create employment opportunities for youths, and enhance media advocacy against irregular migration.
President of JIFORM, Dr. Ajibola Abayomi, while welcoming participants, stated that the outcomes of the dialogue would be crucial in shaping actionable strategies to address the threats and harness the opportunities migration presents.
Abayomi emphasized the need to strengthen networks among journalists, stakeholders, and migration experts.
He announced that JIFORM would host its 5th Annual Global Migration Summit in Canada, alongside other workshops in Nigeria and other countries, and called on the IOM and other migration organizations to lend their support.
Notable participants at the seminar included Adewale Ojomo, Director of the Diaspora Innovation Institute (France); Ambassador Collins Idahosa, Governor of the Nigerian Youth Council in Sweden; and Modupe Adelanwa, Executive Director of Shield Support Organization and National Secretary of the Network Against Trafficking, Abuse, and Labour (NACTAL).
Established in 2019, JIFORM boasts over 300 journalists and migration volunteers as members.
The organization has initiated several training programs for journalists and hosts annual conferences, including the African Migration Summit, the West African Media Migration Summit, and the Annual JIFORM Global Migration Summit.
