Strengthening National Capacity to Manage Labour Migration and Mobilize Diaspora for National Development in Nigeria – Co-funding of EU project

This project will complement and co-fund the ongoing project “Promoting Better Management of Migration in Nigeria” financed by the EU under the 10th National European Development Fund. Within the framework of the EU funded project, IOM Nigeria contributes to strengthening the Nigeria’s government capacity to maximise the development potential of migration. It does so through the implementation of three interrelated components: 1. improving the governance of migration through the use of evidence-based instruments; 2. strengthening national capacity to manage labour migration and mobilise diaspora for national development and 3. strengthening national capacity to deter irregular migration.

The IOM Development Fund project will co-fund the second component by supporting the implementation of the Labour Migration Policy Action Plan. Specifically, it will contribute to the establishment of two Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs) in Abuja and Lagos state to serve as a “one-stop shop” where intending, actual and returning migrants will be able to access relevant migration information and a wide range of services either through direct assistance or information provided by the MRC network. This will empower them to make informed decisions and thereby minimize the risks and maximize the benefits of their migration experience. The project will facilitate active engagement with the embassies of countries that constitute high destination for Nigerian migrants through a series of meetings that will provide a platform for the Government of Nigeria to develop concrete labour migration initiatives. Finally, it will strengthen existing institutional coordination mechanisms relating to labour migration in Nigeria through the engagement of key stakeholders and the establishment of a Labour Migration Advisory Board.