Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, has called for stronger cooperation between Nigeria and the European Union (EU) to address the root causes of irregular migration, particularly poverty, unemployment, insecurity and humanitarian challenges. This was contained in a statement signed by Akpofure Ogheneochuko (ACIO) For: Director, Information and Public Relations.
The Minister made the call when he received a delegation of the European Union, led by the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, His Excellency, Magnus Brunner, who came on a courtesy visit to his office.
Dr. Doro stressed the need for a partnership that goes beyond migration management to address the economic and social conditions that compel people to leave their communities in search for better opportunities. He maintained that, migration should be a matter of choice, supported by access to legitimate opportunities, rather than a desperate response to poverty, insecurity or lack of prospects.
He highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to poverty reduction, youth empowerment and human capital development, noting the importance of equipping Nigerians with relevant digital, technical and vocational skills, to access employment opportunities locally and internationally. He called for increased investment in skills development and structured labour mobility programmes that would create legal pathways for Nigerians seeking employment abroad while meeting labour demands in destination countries.
On humanitarian assistance, the Minister acknowledged the EU’s support for internally displaced persons, particularly in the North-West, and called for greater attention to emerging humanitarian needs in the North-Central region, especially Benue State, which continues to host a significant number of internally displaced persons.
He noted that stronger institutional cooperation, targeted interventions and sustained support would help Nigeria address its humanitarian challenges, reduce poverty and create conditions for safe, orderly and mutually beneficial migration.
In his remarks, the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, His Excellency, Magnus Brunner, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a comprehensive and balanced partnership with Nigeria. He identified migration management, security, trade and the reintegration of returning migrants as key areas of cooperation.
Commissioner Brunner also described the planned signing of a re admit agreement with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an important step in strengthening bilateral engagement. He further highlighted ongoing cooperation to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, improve the reintegration of returning migrants and explore additional areas of mutual interest.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubumi Olusanya, welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Honourable Minister and the entire staff of the Ministry. He expressed confidence that the engagement would provide an opportunity for constructive discussions and strengthen existing relations between Nigeria and the European Union, particularly on migration and its associated challenges.
The meeting was attended by Directors of the Ministry, EU officials and the EU Ambassador, His Excellency Gauntier Mignot.
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