The UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reassured of its commitment to deepen cooperation with Nigeria towards tackling irregular migration.
The IOM Chief of Mission, Laurent De Boeck, made this known in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the “End of Year” IOM Nigeria’s Humanitarian Impact in 2023.
The event was designed to commemorate the 2023 International Migrants Day with the theme: “Act today for better future.”
According to him, it has become important to promote dialogue about migration management crisis response, internal-displacement, counter-trafficking, climate change and trending issues in areas of humanitarian intervention.
Boeck said: “We are reinforcing our cooperation with the Federal and State levels, for answering characteristics of migration level and for achieving good reception in the country.
“Thanks to the fact that the country ‘Nigeria’ is in global compact on migration.
“There is a network on migration among various ministries, which will help us to comprehensively promote involvement of different MDAS on the team of migration.
“This is key for us, to ensure that the Federal level and State level have the response aligned to the national policies and frameworks.”
He said although IOM currently operated in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory, it would expand its frontiers to tackle issues about displaced population.
“IOM identified and supported 682 victims of trafficking with focus on vulnerable groups, such as survivors of gender-based violence, persons with disabilities, unaccompanied and separated children.
“IOM facilitated the return of 4,431 Nigerians and supported their reintegration through assisted voluntary return, and reintegration, and collaboration with the Federal Government.
“A total of 2,853 individuals received reintegration assistance, engaging in socio-economic opportunities of their choice,” Boeck said.
He said that measures had been put in place by the mission to help displaced population and affected communities, as well as to establish peace and reconciliation processes in such communities.
Boeck identified success recorded by IOM in 2023 to include intervention across various sectors to tackle humanitarian needs resulting from conflicts, environmental and climate hazards, and displacement in some states.
“In 2023, IOM’s WASH Programme reached remarkable 127, 075 individuals across 37 camp locations in Adamawa and Borno.
“Completion of six solar boreholes, construction of 402 shower and later one stances, successful hygiene promotion campaign breaching 37, 266 individuals.
“Collaborative efforts with partner organisations to ensure the distribution of cholera and hygiene kits to flood-affected areas, contributing to a safer and healthier environment”, he said.
Boeck listed other areas of achievement to be early recovery and livelihood, community engagement and support, coordination and sector support, conflict mitigation and community reconciliation.
