Nigeria's Government Acts Against Human Trafficking Crisis

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced new strategies to combat human trafficking and irregular migration as over 1,000 Nigerians have returned from crisis routes, including Libya, Lebanon, Morocco, Mali, Egypt, India, and the UAE. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, represented by Chief Mission Sharon Dimanch, stated that migration itself is not a problem but the absence of safe and legal pathways is.

The IOM's Compass Program aims to strengthen Nigeria's migration governance and improve policies for the protection of migrants. The program has significantly impacted the lives of returnees, including women who have faced severe exploitation abroad.

Dr. Bernard Doro, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Poverty Reduction, reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting returnees and vulnerable communities. The event also highlighted the need for collaboration with various stakeholders to address the root causes of irregular migration, such as poverty and unemployment.