By Nkechi Eze
In a renewed push to strengthen Nigeria’s migration management system and deepen international collaboration, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has commended the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) for its sustained commitment to promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration in Nigeria.
The commendation came during a courtesy visit by the Head of Mission of ICMPD in Nigeria, Ms. Isabelle Wolfsgruber, to the NiDCOM Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting served as a strategic platform for both institutions to consolidate their partnership in addressing the challenges of irregular migration while enhancing the contributions of the Nigerian diaspora to national development.
According to an official statement signed by Gabriel Odu of the Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit of NiDCOM, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa described ICMPD as a valuable and consistent ally since the Commission’s inception. She highlighted the organization’s role in strengthening migration governance and fostering diaspora engagement over the years.
“This visit is not only timely but critical in reinforcing our shared vision of ensuring that migration becomes a tool for development rather than desperation,” she stated.
The NiDCOM boss lamented the alarming trend of irregular migration, despite sustained advocacy and awareness campaigns. She revealed that over 6,000 Nigerians had been evacuated this year alone through coordinated efforts by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).
“These figures reflect why we must work even harder to discourage irregular migration and offer more viable alternatives,” she stressed, emphasizing the urgent need for structured reintegration policies and better international cooperation.
As part of the visit, Dabiri-Erewa presented ICMPD with a copy of the Commission’s Voluntary Assets and Skills Placement for Returnees (VASP-R) policy document, currently under review for broader implementation. She said the initiative aims to provide sustainable reintegration pathways for returnees by leveraging their skills and linking them with available opportunities across sectors.
In her response, Ms. Wolfsgruber commended NiDCOM for its proactive and visionary leadership in diaspora affairs. She praised the Commission’s strategic outlook and assured that ICMPD remains committed to supporting sustainable migration programmes in Nigeria.
“You gave such a powerful intervention at the last diaspora summit, highlighting the full value of Nigerian remittances not just financial, but intellectual and structural. That’s where the true development power lies,” she remarked, acknowledging the multifaceted contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora.
Ms. Wolfsgruber also pledged ICMPD’s continued engagement with development partners and donors to ensure that NiDCOM’s policy priorities are effectively aligned with current and future migration initiatives.
“This is not just about who funds what, but how we make the system work for itself. The Nigerian diaspora is a force for development, and we are proud to walk this journey with you,” she concluded.
