IOM Prepares Migration Stakeholders for Leadership – Osemene

The Executive Director of the Patriotic Citizen Initiative, Osita Osemene, has said that local stakeholders in migration governance are now better prepared to manage the reintegration of returnees, thanks to the comprehensive training and support provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Osemene shared this during a workshop organized by IOM in Abuja.

“They want the existing structures, particularly local actors, to take full responsibility for the reintegration of returnees in Nigeria,” he said.

Osemene explained that IOM’s strategy is to ensure the sustainability of migration activities in Nigeria by gradually shifting to a supervisory role.

“IOM is focused on building the capacity of local actors—civil society organizations, government bodies, and private entities—who are in the best position to offer reintegration support and services to returning migrants, given their direct interactions with the communities. IOM will continue to guide these stakeholders,” Osemene added.

Reflecting on the workshop’s outcomes, Osemene described it as highly successful.

“Every workshop is an opportunity for learning, sharing experiences, exchanging knowledge, and improving strategies and technical approaches in service provision. This workshop has been a tremendous success; we’ve gained new insights into accountability, transparency, and best practices,” he said.

Osemene also praised IOM’s achievements in Nigeria since its inception. “I have worked with IOM since the start of their reintegration programs and the campaign against irregular migration and human trafficking in Nigeria. IOM has done incredibly well—just look at where they started and where they are now.

“You can see the positive strides they’ve made in ensuring a comprehensive approach to managing and governing migration in Nigeria. The history of migration in Nigeria cannot be discussed without mentioning IOM, which has generously supported the Nigerian government in facilitating the return of citizens and establishing a proper management system.

“IOM has also been instrumental in creating the national migration policy, the labour migration policy, and developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the return and reintegration of migrants. Without their support, we would be nowhere. We, the civil society organizations, are happy, and Nigerians are happy. Their efforts have greatly guided our approach to assisting our people stranded abroad and institutionalizing reintegration in Nigeria.”

He further highlighted other significant achievements, such as the ongoing support provided to the Nigerian government to build migration institutions like NIDCOM and to strengthen the national migration policy. “As we speak, a review of the national migration policy is ongoing. We have also seen interventions in areas like migration and health, safe migration, community dialogue, and numerous forms of support for internally displaced persons (IDPs),” Osemene added.

Osemene also expressed concern over the continued rise in irregular migration, attributing it to Nigeria’s struggling economy. “The poor state of the Nigerian economy remains the primary driver. People will continue to leave at all costs due to the rising cost of living and the lack of income sources and survival opportunities,” he lamented.

Despite these challenges, Osemene remains optimistic about the future of migration in Nigeria. “With IOM’s involvement, the future of migration is very bright. We look forward to harnessing the gains in this sector for overall development,” he said.