Nigerian Vice President, Kashim Shettima has revealed that at least 10,000 Nigerians were detained for immigration offences in Africa and Europe in this year ending, 2024.
This is even as applauded the contributions of Nigerian immigrants to the global economy.
The VP noted that Nigeria accounts for the highest of all Diaspora remittances in West Africa.
According to him, apart from Diaspora remittances, Nigerian migrants have become global ambassadors. Who have excelled in technology, medicine, sports, creative arts, and other human endeavours.
Shettima made the disclosure on Monday during the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The theme for the Dialogue was “Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting Their Rights.”
Addressing the audience, the VP said, “Migration is not just a crossover from one geography to another. It is a critical driver of global and national development.
“In 2022 alone, Nigeria accounted for $21.9 billion in Diaspora remittances. Representing 64% of all remittances in West Africa. This is a testament to the invaluable economic contributions of Nigerian migrants.
“Beyond financial remittances, our migrants have become global ambassadors. Excelling in fields such as technology, medicine, sports, and the creative arts. Nigerian startups founded by migrants attracted over $800 million in investments in 2022. Underscoring the transformative potential of our people across the globe.”
Shettima noted that while the Annual National Migration Dialogue coincided with the commemoration of International Migrants Day, he praised the theme of the dialogue. He said, the theme of the dialogue sparked solemn “reflection on the dual essence of migration. It’s remarkable contributions to society and the enduring need to safeguard the rights of those who undertake these journeys.”
The VP emphasized that Nigeria is both a country of origin and a destination for migrants. With over 1.3 million international migrants living within.
Shettima regretted that the nation returned about 10,000 of its citizens detained for sundry migration offences in 2024 alone. He, however, cautioned against the constant challenges of irregular migration.
“However, we must acknowledge that irregular migration remains a persistent challenge. In 2024, we have already returned and reintegrated no fewer than 10,000 Nigerians. Who had been detained for immigration offenses in African and European countries.
The VP also assured that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to tackling the challenges of migration. He noted that the President had reaffirmed the commitment at this year’s United Nations General Assembly.
The Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Ahmed, in his welcome address, said the Dialogue provided an invaluable space to reflect on the migration conversation, progress and formulating policies to address their challenges.
On her part, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, stated that the Nigerian Diaspora represents the very best of the world hard-working, brilliant, intelligent and developing world economies.
source: Daily Trust
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