By Waziri Isa Adam (Group Editor-in-chief)
A University Don, Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan, has emphasized the importance of safe, orderly, and regular migration for Nigeria’s national development. He also highlighted the valuable contributions of migrants to the country’s growth.
Professor Ladan made this call during his keynote address at the 2024 10th National Migration Commemorative Dialogue, organized by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs.
The event, which took place at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, was declared open by Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Hubert Humphrey Fellow who is an African Regional Economic Integration Law and Policy Analyst pointed out that Nigeria’s compliance with regional protocols is crucial for promoting national development and protecting the rights of migrants.
He noted that the ECOWAS protocols on free movement of persons, goods, and services, and residence and establishment, are legally binding on Nigeria.
The immediate past Director General of Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) emphasized that Nigeria’s compliance with these protocols would not only promote regional integration but also protect the rights of Nigerian migrants in other ECOWAS countries.
He stated that the protocols provide for the free movement of citizens of ECOWAS member states, and guarantee the right of residence and establishment.
Professor Ladan noted that Nigeria’s non-compliance with these protocols has resulted in the harassment and exploitation of Nigerian migrants in other ECOWAS countries.
He emphasized that Nigeria needs to urgently sign and ratify the African Union (AU) Protocol on Free Movement of Persons.
Professor Ladan stated that the AU protocol seeks to promote shared prosperity, peaceful coexistence, and unity amongst Africans.
He noted that the protocol also seeks to promote greater employment opportunities, higher gains in trade and tourism, and poverty alleviation.
Professor Ladan emphasized that Nigeria’s compliance with ECOWAS protocols and the AU protocol would promote regional integration, cooperation, and development.
He stated that it would also protect the rights of Nigerian migrants and promote their socio-economic development.
Professor Ladan noted that the National Migration Policy and the National Youth Policy need to be reviewed to reflect current practical realities and developments in law, policy, and innovative interventions.
He emphasized that the review should focus on promoting human rights-based migration governance and protecting the rights of migrants.
Professor Ladan stated that Nigeria needs to develop a national implementation framework for the implementation of the re-enacted and expanded mandate Act on the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and IDPs in Nigeria, 2023.
He emphasized that the framework should promote inclusive migration policies and protect the rights of migrants.
Professor Ladan noted that the 2024 National Migration Dialogue provides an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss and promote migration policies that protect the rights of migrants.
He emphasized that the dialogue should focus on promoting human rights-based migration governance and protecting the rights of migrants.