By Chinenye Chukwuma
The Civil Society Network on Migration and Development (CSOnetMADE) has launched a two-day awareness program on the revised National Migration Policy (NMP) 2025 in Imo State. The program, which is supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) within the Migration Multi-Partners Trust fund and the European Union “Support for Migration Governance in Nigeria,” aims to enhance public awareness and understanding of the policy among key stakeholders.
The National Coordinator of CSOnetMADE, Emeka Xris Obiezu, OSA, said that the network is a space of interaction, partnership, and experience sharing among non-state actors. He noted that over 350 organizations are part of the network, and their work is to build the capacity of non-state actors engaging in migration spaces, migration policy, and programs.
Obiezu explained that the two-day engagement is a multi-stakeholder engagement and high-level policy engagement aimed at creating awareness and seeking understanding of the revised migration policy. He noted that the policy has been validated and is waiting for approval by the Federal Executive Council.
The program is being held for the South-East zone and South-South zone, with Imo State hosting the event. Obiezu said that the event has been productive, with over 45 stakeholders comprising state and non-state actors from the state participating. He noted that the program has established a roadmap for Imo State government to engage in effective migration governance.
The Program Officer of CSOnetMADE, Ms Justina Ogochenem Isaac, said that the program is aimed at enhancing awareness on the reviewed 2025 National Migration Policy. She noted that the policy is still yet to be adopted by the Federal Executive Council, but that they are preparing for its implementation by raising awareness among stakeholders.
Isaac explained that the program is designed to create awareness among stakeholders, especially state and non-state actors, on what the policy entails. She noted that this will enable states to organize themselves in a way that will facilitate effective implementation of the policy.
The awareness program is part of the efforts to enhance migration governance in Nigeria. Migration in Nigeria presents a complex interplay of internal, regional, and global movements, contributing to both the nation's development and its international relationships.
The revised National Migration Policy 2025 aims to address the challenges and harness the benefits of migration in Nigeria. The policy was revised take care of emerging realities, following broad consultations to reflect inclusive participation and creat room for ownership.
The policy has established a framework for coordinated migration management and alignment with regional and global commitments. It has also strengthened institutional coordination and promoted multi-stakeholder engagement through mechanisms such as the National Migration Governance Structure and the National Migration Dialogue.
The awareness program in Imo State is a significant step towards enhancing migration governance in the state. It is expected that the program will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss and understand the policy, and to develop strategies for its effective implementation.
The program has brought together stakeholders from different sectors, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and the media. This is expected to facilitate a broad understanding of the policy and its implications for the state.
The success of the program will depend on the level of engagement and commitment from stakeholders. It is expected that the program will provide a roadmap for Imo State government to engage in effective migration governance, and to develop strategies for addressing the challenges of migration in the state.
Overall, the awareness program on the revised National Migration Policy 2025 is a significant step towards enhancing migration governance in Imo State and Nigeria as a whole. It is expected that the program will provide a platform for stakeholders to engage and develop strategies for effective implementation of the policy.
The program is a testament to the commitment of CSOnetMADE and its partners to enhancing migration governance in Nigeria. It is expected that the program will have a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians, particularly those affected by migration.