Nigeria To Partner With Germany on Migration

The federal government on Tuesday, has called for a stronger partnership with the government of the Republic of Germany on migration.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made the call in her remark during the official opening of a new Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) in Ado, Nasarawa State.

The event highlighted the growing partnership between Nigeria and Germany on promoting safe and regular labour migration.

Onyejeocha while highlighting the importance of the center, stated, “This MRC will provide crucial support to potential and returning migrants, offering information, guidance, and training opportunities to help them make informed decisions about their migration journey.”

Onyejeocha emphasised the long-standing cooperation between the two countries, citing the establishment of the Nigerian-German Centre for Migration and Development (NGC) in 2018.

She noted that the collaboration funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and implemented by GIZ, has supported capacity building, policy development, and awareness campaigns around migration.

Highlighting significant achievements recorded through the collaboration between the two countries, the Minister outlined the programme’s results, including, “320,000 individuals receiving individual support measures like job placement, business startups, and education.

“37,600 beneficiaries securing employment and 53,300 launching businesses. Over 63,000 receiving individual counseling and nearly 10,000 receiving psychosocial support.”

On expanding opportunities in the future, the Minister stressed the critical role of MRCs in fostering safe and regular migration pathways to Germany and other European countries.

She called for further collaboration and proposed a Bilateral Labour Migration Agreements (BLMAs) or Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to facilitate regulated labour migration benefiting both nations, establishing new MRCs in strategic locations across Nigeria to widen access to these resources.

Onyejeocha, however expressed gratitude to the German government and the GIZ for their ongoing support.

She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the partnership and the successful implementation of the ZME project, aiming to create more opportunities for its citizens and strengthen ties with Germany.

Similarly, German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze, celebrated the launch of a new Migration Resource Center in Ado Nasarawa, Nigeria.

She emphasised the positive impact migration could have on individuals, communities, and nations.

According to her, “Migration is a reality that needs to be shaped so that it benefits everyone.  This center provides a space for migrants and potential migrants to access information, training, and support, fostering legal migration options and entrepreneurial opportunities.”

The Minister highlighted the mutually beneficial nature of migration partnerships, nothing that, “the center aims to create opportunities for Nigerians seeking jobs, address skill gaps in the Nigerian labor market, and connect German companies with qualified workers.”

 Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Kassim Sumaina

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