In an effort to address the challenges faced by irregular and stranded migrants originating from Enugu State, Governor Dr. Peter Mbah has declared the state government’s commitment to collaborate with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This partnership aims to facilitate the safe return, resettlement, and reintegration of these individuals into their home state.
Governor Mbah also announced plans to assist the IOM in establishing a zonal office in Enugu. This move is intended to enable direct return of migrants to Enugu for rehabilitation, rather than routing them through other states. The governor emphasized the state government’s radical social programs, which are designed to equip returnees with essential skills for making a decent living.
The announcement coincides with the IOM’s revelation that it has successfully aided 350 stranded and irregular migrants from Enugu State, primarily from Libya and Niger, in safely returning home. Governor Mbah expressed his gratitude to the IOM for its crucial role in mitigating the hardships faced by these migrants, including those who have been victims of trafficking and exploitation.
Governor Mbah highlighted the state’s readiness to collaborate with the IOM in areas such as integration of victims and assistance to those stranded abroad who wish to return home. He stressed the state’s involvement in extensive social service programs, including in education and healthcare, which significantly impact the lives of the citizens, including the returnees. The governor believes that returnees should be directly brought back to Enugu, where they can stay in a transit camp, receive counseling, and undergo reintegration processes.
In addition to resettlement efforts, Governor Mbah expressed eagerness to work with the IOM in leveraging the positive aspects of migration by harnessing the state’s diaspora resources for mutual benefit. He mentioned the forthcoming launch of the Enugu State Diaspora Bond, scheduled for April, as an initiative to attract diasporans. The governor believes that engaging diaspora resources in the state’s economy could extend beyond mere remittances to more substantial economic contributions.
Laurent De Boeck, the IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, outlined the organization’s main activities in Enugu, focusing on the return and reintegration of young, capable individuals who left the country. The IOM has facilitated the return of 350 people to Enugu so far, with most identified in Libya and Niger. Additional returnees are expected, with ongoing efforts to identify any Enugu State natives among them for prompt repatriation.
De Boeck praised the Mbah administration’s initiatives aimed at tapping into the potential of successful Nigerians in the diaspora. The IOM, with its extensive database and global contacts with Nigerian professionals and students, is ready to assist in this endeavor.
To discourage irregular migration, the IOM is developing strategies to facilitate legal migration for Nigerians, ensuring safe job conditions and dignity in host countries. This approach aligns with Governor Mbah’s vision of creating a sustainable and supportive environment for returning migrants, as well as harnessing the state’s diaspora community for economic and social development.
In conclusion, the partnership between the Enugu State government and the IOM represents a significant step towards addressing the complex issue of irregular migration. It not only focuses on the immediate need for safe return and reintegration of migrants but also aims to leverage the potential of the diaspora community for the state’s development. This collaborative effort serves as a model for other states facing similar challenges and highlights the importance of comprehensive strategies that address both the causes and effects of irregular migration.
