The 2024 National Migration Dialogue in Nigeria "Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants' Legacy, Protecting Their Rights": Shaping the Future of Return Migration
GAPs researchers, Ngozi Uzomah and Chukwuedozie Ajaero at the event. Source: Ngozi Uzomah (2024)
The 2024 National Migration Dialogue, on December 9, 2024, spotlighted pressing issues like return, readmission, and reintegration—core areas of focus for the GAPs EU Horizon funded Project.
Tackling Reintegration Head-On
The dialogue delved deep into how Nigeria can better reintegrate returned migrants into society. Practical solutions and policy frameworks were hot topics, directly aligning with GAPs' goal of crafting sustainable, rights-based approaches to reintegration.
Unpacking the #JapaSyndrome
The issue of desperate emigration otherwise known as the #JapaSyndrome in Nigeria was also tackled. This issue underscores the urgent need to confront the systemic factors driving outward migration. GAPs researchers are now better equipped to advocate for policies that tackle these root causes while easing the burden on return migration systems.
Championing Migrants' Rights
One of the event’s key takeaways came from Vice President Kashim Shettima’s powerful call for countries and stakeholders to prioritize the dignity and rights of migrants, no matter their status.
Watch some of the speeches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO0Hc04m0oY
A Powerhouse of Stakeholders
Representing GAPs at this gathering were researchers Ngozi Uzomah and Chukwuedozie Ajaero from the University of Nigeria Nsukka. Together with their research team member, Ignatius Madu, and a global consortium of 17 institutions, they aim to redefine return migration governance and reintegration strategies.
The dialogue’s lineup of dignitaries and stakeholders also included:
· Vice President of Nigeria: Senator Kashim Shettima
· Speaker of the House of Representatives: Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas
· Deputy Speaker: Hon. Benjamin Kalu
· Federal Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons: Hon. Tijjany Ahmed
· Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission: Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa
· Interim Country Chief of IOM: Paola Pace
They were joined by representatives from the German and U.S. embassies, the European Union delegation, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development in West Africa, civil society organizations, academics, and government agencies.
The GAPs team engaged directly with key decision-makers, paving the way for future collaborations to amplify the project’s impact and visibility.
Moving Forward
As Nigeria grapples with the complexities of migration, the 2024 National Migration Dialogue marks a pivotal moment in shaping a better future for returnees. For GAPs, this event represents a springboard to deepen its impact, influence policies, and advocate for a migration system that works for everyone—returnees, migrants, and the communities they call home.