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), leading journalists from around the world, and other pivotal stakeholders on Saturday. Their goal: to devise robust strategies against irregular migration.
The virtual seminar, titled “Migration Dialogue,” was hosted by the Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM) under the theme “Migration Trends: Threats and Opportunities.” This international forum provided a platform for crucial discussions on tackling the complex issue of migration.
In her keynote address, Pace underscored the need for continuous professional development for journalists, advocating for the use of precise language and a human-centered approach to migration reporting.
She highlighted the growing trend of Nigerian emigrants—rising from 610,200 in 2000 to approximately 1.7 million in 2022—emphasizing their significant contribution to diaspora remittances.
Pace also drew attention to Nigeria’s Diaspora Policy 2021, noting the country’s 17 million-strong diaspora. She called for the creation of safe migration pathways as part of effective counter-strategies. The IOM has successfully assisted 38,597 stranded Nigerians through its Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration program, with over 24,000 individuals reintegrated into society.
Journalists Daphine Tolis (Greece), Biram Jobe (Gambia), Juliet Makwama (Zambia), and Bimbo Oyetunde (Nigeria) shared their insights, emphasizing the critical role of collaboration, media capacity building, and networking in the fight against human trafficking and irregular migration.
The Communications Officer for NAPTIP, Vincent Adekoye, who spoke on the media’s strategic role in combating these issues urged journalists to challenge false narratives propagated by traffickers and called for unified efforts to develop effective migration policies and reshape public perceptions.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director of Digital and Media at the Voice of Nigeria Dr. Qasim Akinreti, voiced concerns over the surge in irregular migration attempts among Nigerian youth, with over 10 million seeking illegal routes to Europe. He urged African governments to improve economic conditions, create job opportunities, and enhance media advocacy against irregular migration.
The President of JIFORM, Dr. Ajibola Abayomi, highlighted the seminar’s outcomes as crucial for shaping actionable strategies to address migration challenges and opportunities. He announced that JIFORM would host its 5th Annual Global Migration Summit in Canada and other workshops in Nigeria and beyond, calling for support from the IOM and other migration organizations.
Notable attendees included 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 Organization and National Secretary of the Network Against Trafficking, Abuse, and Labour (NACTAL).
Since its establishment in 2019, JIFORM has grown to include over 300 journalists and migration volunteers. The organization is known for its training programs and major conferences, including the African Migration Summit, the West African Media Migration Summit, and the Annual JIFORM Global Migration Summit.