IOM Chief, NAPTIP, Journalists identify anti irregular migration strategies
By Faith A. M
The Interim Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, Paola Pace has joined forces with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), journalists from various countries, and other key stakeholders on Saturday to discuss strategies for combating irregular migration across the globe.
The discussions took place during a virtual international migration seminar titled ‘Migration Dialogue’, organised by the Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM) under the theme “Migration Trends: Threats and Opportunities”.
Pace, who served as the guest speaker, emphasised the importance of continuous capacity building just as she identified use of appropriate language, and a human-centered approach in migration reporting as essential tools for journalists to effectively cover migration issues.
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 counter-strategies 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.
“IOM has successfully returned 38,597 stranded Nigerians through its Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration program, with over 24,000 reintegrated into society”, according to Pace.
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 key elements in strategic communication efforts to engage journalists in the fight against human trafficking and irregular migration.
On his part NAPTIP Communications Officer, 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.
Also, the Deputy Director, Digital and Media, Voice of Nigeria, Dr. Qasim Akinreti expressed concerns over the alarming rate of irregular migration among Nigerian youths, with over 10 million attempting illegal migration to Europe.
“A called on African governments to improve economic conditions, create employment opportunities for youths, and enhance media advocacy against irregular migration.
Earlier, President of JIFORM, Dr. Ajibola Abayomi in his address stated that the outcomes of the seminar would be crucial in shaping actionable strategies to address the threats and harness the opportunities migration presents.
“There is the need to strengthen networks among journalists, stakeholders, and migration experts.
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 lend their support.
Notable participants at the seminar include 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 Organisation 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 several training programmes for journalists and hosts annual conferences, including the African Migration Summit, the West African Media Migration Summit, and the Annual JIFORM Global Migration Summit.
