IOM Aids 8,000 Edo Returnees With Reintegration Support

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says about 8,000 returnees from Edo State have received reintegration support aimed at helping them rebuild their lives and livelihoods after returning to Nigeria.

The IOM chief of mission in Nigeria, Dimanche Sharon, disclosed this during a media engagement in Benin City, noting that the organisation has continued to strengthen migration management and humanitarian support across the country.

According to Sharon, since 2017, the IOM has facilitated the safe return of about 9,000 migrants from Edo State, many of whom embarked on irregular migration journeys in search of better opportunities.

She explained that around 8,000 of the returnees have benefited from reintegration assistance, including livelihood support and capacity building programmes designed to help them start over and become economically independent.

Sharon added that the organisation has also assisted more than 1,100 victims of human trafficking while providing psycho-social support to over 5,000 individuals to help them recover from trauma associated with migration and exploitation.

Giving a broader national perspective, she said the IOM has supported the return of about 60,000 migrants to Nigeria since 2017, many of whom survived abuse, exploitation and dangerous migration routes.

The IOM chief further revealed that more than 1,200 migrants continue to return annually, warning that many unemployed youths remain vulnerable to trafficking and irregular migration.

She stressed the importance of sustained collaboration with partners and donors to address migration and displacement challenges.

Sharon also commended the Edo State Government for steps taken to tackle migration issues, particularly in supporting returnees, protecting vulnerable persons and creating opportunities for young people.

According to her, with stronger partnerships and investments, migration can be made safer, more orderly and transformed into a driver of development rather than a source of risk.