From Garba Abdullahi Bagwai, in Kano
More than 281 million migrants reside outside their countries of origin, while over 169 million are on the move in search of sustainable livelihoods and improved economic opportunities, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has said.
The Zonal Director of the Ministry, Mr Abdullahi Aliyu, disclosed this on Tuesday at a capacity development workshop for Northwest members of the Nigerian Migration Advisory Network held in Kano.
Aliyu said that thousands of vibrant and talented young people were actively seeking opportunities to advance their education, acquire modern skills and secure meaningful employment both locally and internationally.
He said the ministry remained committed to mitigating the risks associated with migration by building and institutionalising a robust framework anchored on safe, regular and orderly labour mobility.
According to him, through the Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs) and the foundational work established under the Nigerian-German Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration, the ministry had made significant progress in providing counselling and support to potential and returning migrants.
He said the services were not limited to Abuja, but extended to high-migration states and regions across the country.
The zonal director added that the ministry had been collaborating with key international partners, including institutions from Germany, the European Union and ECOWAS, among others, to achieve its objectives.
Highlights of the workshop included presentations of papers by representatives of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and other stakeholders.
A communique is expected to be issued at the end of the workshop on Wednesday.
