In a concerted effort to address the rising challenges of irregular migration, Paola Pace, the Interim Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, alongside the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and international journalists, convened on Saturday for a virtual seminar to discuss strategic approaches.
The seminar, titled “Migration Dialogue,” was organized by the Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM) and focused on the theme, “Migration Trends: Threats and Opportunities.”
During the seminar, Pace, who served as the guest speaker, underscored the importance of continuous capacity building, the use of appropriate language, and a human-centered approach in migration reporting.
She emphasized that these elements are critical for journalists to effectively cover migration issues, advocating for the portrayal of positive and impactful stories about migrants.
Highlighting the significant increase in Nigerian emigration, with numbers rising from 610,200 in 2000 to approximately 1.7 million in 2022, Pace noted the crucial role of diaspora remittances in Nigeria’s economy.
She also referenced the Government of Nigeria’s Diaspora Policy 2021, which estimates the Nigerian diaspora population at around 17 million, stressing the importance of creating safe pathways as a counter-strategy against irregular migration.
“The IOM remains committed to supporting journalists in disseminating accurate information and exploring regular migration channels,” Pace stated, reaffirming the organization’s role in shaping migration narratives.
She also revealed that the IOM has successfully returned 38,597 stranded Nigerians through its Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration program, with over 24,000 individuals reintegrated into society.
Contributions from journalists across various countries, including Daphine Tolis (Greece), Biram Jobe (Gambia), Juliet Makwama (Zambia), and Bimbo Oyetunde (Nigeria), further enriched the dialogue.
They highlighted the necessity of collaboration, media capacity building, and networking as vital tools in engaging journalists in the fight against human trafficking and irregular migration.
Vincent Adekoye, NAPTIP’s Communications Officer, emphasized the strategic role of the media in combating irregular migration and human trafficking in Nigeria.
He urged journalists to actively counter false narratives perpetuated by human traffickers and called for unified efforts from all stakeholders to develop effective migration policies and reshape public perceptions.
Dr. Qasim Akinreti, Deputy Director, Digital and Media at Voice of Nigeria, voiced concerns over the alarming rate of irregular migration among Nigerian youths, with over 10 million attempting to migrate illegally to Europe.
He urged African governments to improve economic conditions, create employment opportunities for youths, and enhance media advocacy against irregular migration.
JIFORM President, Dr. Ajibola Abayomi, highlighted the seminar’s outcomes as crucial in shaping actionable strategies to address the threats and harness the opportunities presented by migration.
He stressed the need to strengthen networks among journalists, stakeholders, and migration experts and announced that JIFORM would host its 5th Annual Global Migration Summit in Canada, alongside other workshops in Nigeria and other countries.
Dr. Abayomi called on the IOM and other migration organizations to lend their support to these initiatives.
The seminar also saw the participation of notable figures such as 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).
Established in 2019, JIFORM boasts over 300 journalists and migration volunteers as members.
The organization has initiated several training programs for journalists and hosts annual conferences, including the African Migration Summit, the West African Media Migration Summit, and the Annual JIFORM Global Migration Summit.
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