IOM Celebrates Five Years of Safe Migration in Nigeria

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration in Nigeria during the celebration of the fifth anniversary of the Compass program. This program focuses on protecting and assisting vulnerable migrants and supporting their reintegration.

The event brought together representatives from the Nigerian government, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and civil society organizations. Ms. Sharon Dimanch, Chief Mission of IOM Nigeria, stated that migration itself is not a problem but the absence of safe legal pathways is.

She highlighted the program's success in transforming the lives of survivors of human trafficking who have returned to Nigeria. Over the past five years, the program has benefited 900 vulnerable migrants, providing them with healthcare, psychosocial support, and livelihood assistance.

Dr. Bernard M. Doro from Nigeria's Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs emphasized the need to address irregular migration, which exposes many young Nigerians to trafficking and exploitation.

The event also featured Binta Bello from NCFRMI and Bengt van Loosdrecht from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who commended the achievements of the Compass program.