IOM Chief, NAPTIP, Journalists Share Strategies To Tackle Irregular Migration

The interim chief of the Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, Paola Pace, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), journalists from various countries, and other key stakeholders have stressed the need for continuous collaboration to combat irregular migration.

The initiative aimed to update stakeholders on the latest efforts to combat irregular migration by sharing insights and expertise; participants could align their efforts and work towards more effective solutions to prevent irregular migration and protect vulnerable individuals.

The discussions were held yesterday during a virtual international migration seminar titled Migration Dialogue, organised by the Journalists International Forum for Migration (JIFORM) with “Migration Trends: Threats and Opportunities” as the theme.

In her address as a guest speaker, Paola Pace emphasised the importance of continuous capacity building, appropriate language, and a human-centred approach in migration reporting as essential tools for journalists to cover migration issues effectively.

The IOM chief also stressed the need for journalists to tell positive and impactful stories about migrants, noting that the number of Nigerian emigrants has increased from 610,200 in 2000 to approximately 1.7 million in 2022, significantly boosting diaspora remittances. Citing the Government of Nigeria’s Diaspora Policy 2021, Pace mentioned that the Nigerian diaspora population is around 17 million.

She underscored the importance of creating safe pathways as part of counterstrategies against irregular migration. While acknowledging that migration is a significant driver of human development, she reaffirmed the IOM’s commitment to supporting journalists in disseminating accurate information and exploring regular migration channels.

Pace highlighted that the IOM has successfully returned 38,597 stranded Nigerians through its Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration program, with over 24,000 reintegrated into society.

Journalists Daphine Tolis (Greece), Biram Jobe (Gambia), Juliet Makwama (Zambia), and Bimbo Oyetunde (Nigeria) also shared their perspectives on migration. They identified collaboration, media capacity building, and networking as critical elements in strategic communication efforts to engage journalists in the fight against human trafficking and irregular migration.

The communications officer for NAPTIP, Vincent Adekoye, addressed the strategic roles of the media in mitigating irregular migration and human trafficking in Nigeria.

He urged journalists to counter the false narratives promoted by human traffickers and called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to develop effective migration policies and reshape public perceptions. Dr Qasim Akinreti, deputy director of 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. He called on African governments to improve economic conditions, create youth employment opportunities, and enhance media advocacy against irregular migration.

The president of JIFORM, Dr Ajibola Abayomi, stated that the seminar’s outcomes would be crucial in shaping actionable strategies to address the threats and harness the opportunities migration presents.

He stressed the need to strengthen networks among journalists, stakeholders, and migration experts. Dr. Abayomi also 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 organisations to support them.

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 organisation has initiated 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.