The 2023 Civil Society Forum on Migration and Development brought together key stakeholders in Nigeria’s migration governance space, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Swiss Embassy, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Held under the theme “Uncharted Territory: Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities of Internal Migration in Nigeria,” the forum, organized by the Civil Society Network on Migration and Development (CSOnetMADE), highlighted the complexities of internal migration and the urgent need for solutions and partnerships to address it.
In his welcome address, CSOnetMADE National Coordinator Dr. Emeka Obiezu underscored the significance of internal migration, often overshadowed by a focus on international migration. The forum’s discussions ranged from rural-to-urban migration to inter-state and international movement, providing a platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge and insights on Nigeria’s internal migration dynamics. Two significant studies were unveiled during the event: The CSO Report 2023: National Migration Governance Review and NLC Study on Migrant Workers’ Conditions in Nigeria. Both reports deepened the understanding of migration challenges and were instrumental in guiding forum discussions.
Addressing participants, NLC representative Comrade Chris Uche emphasized the critical nature of internal migration, which presents both economic opportunities and significant social challenges. Uche highlighted issues such as rural-to-urban migration driven by conflict, insurgency, and environmental crises, leading to strains on urban infrastructure and social systems. Uche reaffirmed NLC’s commitment to collaborating with CSOnetMADE and other stakeholders to advocate for better migration governance policies.
Similarly, Ron Hendrix from the EU Delegation to Nigeria underscored the EU’s support for Nigerian migration governance efforts, emphasizing the importance of addressing unsafe migration practices that expose migrants to exploitation. Hendrix noted the EU’s commitment to collaborative work across sectors such as education, health, and social protection, to build a safer, more structured approach to migration. He acknowledged that migration work must be inclusive, involving partnerships at federal, state, and local levels.
In her remarks, Swiss Embassy representative Ojoma Ali highlighted the complex interplay between internal migration and irregular migration across borders. Ali praised CSOnetMADE’s efforts to bring internal migration issues to the forefront, recognizing the need to address internal migration’s impact on Nigerian society, particularly regarding economic development and security.
The Chief of Mission for IOM, Ukamaka Anyanechi, emphasized that internal migration is an intricate phenomenon that affects millions of Nigerians. She advocated for a collaborative approach involving civil society and government stakeholders to mitigate challenges while harnessing migration’s potential benefits. The IOM’s five-year country strategy reflects this commitment, aiming to foster partnerships that support data-driven, inclusive migration policies in Nigeria.
The National Commission for Refugees’ representative, Ambassador Catherine Odida, reiterated the agency’s partnership with civil society and international organizations. Odida stressed the importance of data collection on internal migrants, noting that Nigeria serves both as a destination and transit country. She urged CSOnetMADE and its international partners to conduct studies on migrant numbers within Nigeria, highlighting a strong link between internal displacement and human trafficking.
Representing IRARA, Lillian Nwanma expressed the organization’s commitment to supporting migration discourse in Nigeria. She acknowledged that internal migration poses both opportunities for social and economic inclusion as well as challenges for infrastructure and national security. Nwanma suggested that increased research and political engagement could help shape more effective migration policies, supporting Nigeria’s broader migration governance goals.
The 2023 Civil Society Forum demonstrated Nigeria’s dedication to tackling migration issues through inclusive, data-informed strategies. With calls for further research, data collection, and cross-sector collaboration, the forum marked a crucial step in building a cohesive framework for managing Nigeria’s internal migration and supporting the broader migration governance landscape.
