Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that at least 10,000 Nigerians were detained for immigration offenses in African and European countries in 2024.
The revelation came during the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue, which was held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday. Themed “Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting Their Rights,” the dialogue also coincided with the commemoration of International Migrants Day.
While expressing concern over the figures, Shettima highlighted the critical role of Nigerian migrants in global economic growth, noting that Nigeria remains the leading source of diaspora remittances in West Africa. “In 2022 alone, Nigeria accounted for $21.9 billion in diaspora remittances, representing 64% of all remittances in West Africa,” he said, emphasizing the immense contribution of Nigerian migrants to the nation’s economy.
Beyond financial support, the Vice President praised the achievements of Nigerians abroad, underscoring their influence in various fields such as technology, medicine, sports, and the creative arts. “Nigerian migrants have become global ambassadors, excelling in diverse human endeavors,” Shettima added. He also pointed out that Nigerian-founded startups attracted over $800 million in investments in 2022, showcasing the transformative potential of the Nigerian diaspora.
Shettima also addressed the persistent issue of irregular migration, stressing that Nigeria continues to be both a country of origin and a destination for migrants. He revealed that more than 1.3 million international migrants reside in Nigeria. However, the Vice President cautioned about the ongoing challenge of irregular migration, stating, “In 2024, we have already returned and reintegrated no fewer than 10,000 Nigerians who had been detained for immigration offenses in African and European countries.”
Assuring Nigerians of the administration’s commitment to tackling migration-related challenges, Shettima reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s stance, as emphasized at the recent United Nations General Assembly.
In her remarks, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Ahmed, noted that the dialogue offered a valuable opportunity to reflect on the migration conversation and explore solutions to address its challenges.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the Nigerian diaspora for representing the country on the global stage, describing them as hard-working, brilliant, and instrumental in the development of world economies.
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