Story from Abah ADAH, Abuja
Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally-Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Mrs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has stated that the affairs of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDP) should now be upgraded to agenda for development players, instead of leaving them in the hands of actors in the humanitarian sector.
Suleiman-Ibrahim in a statement made the observation during an interactive session with journalists in her Abuja office, while discussing issues around the upcoming review of the country’s migration policy.
“Humanitarian aid is designed to save lives and alleviate suffering during and in the immediate aftermath of emergencies, whereas development aids respond to ongoing structural issues, particularly systemic poverty, that may hinder economic, institutional and social development in any given society, and assists in building capacity to ensure resilient communities and sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
The NCFRMI boss noted that IDPs are survivors, and haven’t been helped to become resilient should be “empowered to survive in the wider society by activating their prosperity.”
READ ALSO: NCFRMI, Borno Govt collaborate to return indigenes from neighbouring countries
While stressing that Nigeria is open to migrants in a changing world, the commissioner also said migrants are a remarkable engine for growth as they account for more than 250 million around the world, which make up three percent of global population and contribute 10 percent of the world’s gross domestic product.
“We are the custodians of the migration policy. It is about to undergo a review. We are stepping up our efforts to provide long-term solutions to those in need. Nigeria provides a welcoming environment for refugees, as we now host about 73,000 refugees of different countries,” she said.
She solicited for a collective support in the ability to gather and analyse reliable data on migration; ensure evidence-based and coordinated response; develop targeted communication tools; strengthen governance of migration for safe, orderly and regular migration; enhance the provision of accurate and timely information at all stages of migration and improve the migration coordination mechanism at the national, state and local government levels.
NCFRMI under the Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who took over as the head of the agency about seven months ago, has witnessed some transformational innovations in recent times.
Recently, the first-ever joint Migration Dialogue with the Civil Society Day was conducted in collaboration with the CSONetMADE and IOM. This was in recognition of the role played by the civil society organisations as key stakeholders in migration management.
The well-attended event had discourses dwelling on areas to strengthen the migration policy which had an implementation plan and a work plan.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
