ABUJA — Stakeholders at the 2026 National Migration Conversation have called for a comprehensive strategy to transform Nigeria’s borders into engines of economic growth while ensuring safer migration systems.
The high-level forum, held in Abuja, brought together policymakers, security agencies, academics and development partners to address challenges and opportunities in migration and border management.
The communiqué, issued after the meeting, was organised by Migration Watch Magazine under Migration Communications, with endorsement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and technical support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria.
Participants examined how Nigeria can balance border security with economic opportunities, stressing the need for “safe, orderly, regular and profitable migration.”
They noted that ineffective border management, irregular migration and human trafficking remain major concerns, urging stronger institutional coordination and policy implementation.
The forum highlighted the importance of leveraging migration for national development, particularly through diaspora engagement, cross-border trade and improved data systems.
Stakeholders also called for increased public awareness, capacity building and the adoption of technology-driven border solutions to enhance monitoring and enforcement.
Goodwill messages at the event came from agencies including the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), alongside contributions from academic experts.
The communiqué emphasised the need for collaboration among government institutions, civil society and international partners to address migration challenges holistically.
The summit concluded with a commitment to actionable reforms aimed at strengthening border governance, reducing irregular migration and unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s migration landscape.
