Abuja, 16th May 2023 – The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Geoffrey Onyeama, held a meeting today with Mr. Laurent De Boeck, the Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria. The audience took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where they engaged in discussions concerning migration and humanitarian matters.
The meeting between Minister Onyeama and Mr. De Boeck emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges and complexities associated with migration in Nigeria. With Nigeria being a significant country of origin, transit, and destination for migrants, the discussions aimed to foster cooperation and find practical solutions to the various issues related to migration.
During the audience, both parties exchanged views on the current migration trends, challenges, and opportunities in Nigeria. They also explored the role of the International Organization for Migration in supporting the Nigerian government’s efforts to manage migration effectively, promote safe and orderly migration, and protect the rights of migrants.
Humanitarian issues were another focal point of the discussions. Recognizing the interlinkage between migration and humanitarian concerns, Minister Onyeama and Mr. De Boeck explored strategies for collaboration to address the humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.
The Honourable Minister expressed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with the International Organization for Migration and other relevant stakeholders to develop comprehensive policies and programs that ensure the dignified and humane treatment of migrants. He emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation at the regional and international levels to tackle migration challenges collectively.
Mr. De Boeck commended Nigeria’s efforts in managing migration and reiterated the IOM’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian government’s initiatives. He emphasized the organization’s dedication to providing technical expertise, capacity building, and operational support to strengthen Nigeria’s migration governance and humanitarian response.
The meeting between Minister Onyeama and Mr. De Boeck signifies the mutual commitment to address migration and humanitarian issues effectively. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, Nigeria aims to enhance its capacity to manage migration flows, protect the rights of migrants, and promote sustainable development.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with migration challenges, this meeting serves as a significant step toward finding pragmatic solutions and establishing a robust framework for addressing the complex dynamics of migration and humanitarian concerns in the country.
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