While acknowledging the positive impacts of migration, Shettima expressed concerns over the challenges of irregular migration, revealing that the nation repatriated and reintegrated at least 10,000 Nigerians detained for migration-related offences in 2024.
Abuja, Nigeria – Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that over 10,000 Nigerians were detained for immigration offences in African and European countries in 2024. He made this revelation on Monday during the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Themed “Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting Their Rights”, the event coincided with the International Migrants Day celebration and provided a platform to discuss the dual nature of migration—its economic contributions and the need to safeguard migrants’ rights.
Speaking at the event, Shettima commended the significant impact of Nigerian migrants globally, noting their contributions to fields like technology, medicine, sports, and the creative arts. Highlighting their financial impact, the Vice President stated that Nigeria accounted for $21.9 billion in diaspora remittances in 2022, representing 64% of all remittances in West Africa.
“Migration is not just a crossover from one geography to another. It is a critical driver of global and national development. Beyond financial remittances, our migrants have become global ambassadors, excelling in fields such as technology, medicine, sports, and the creative arts,” Shettima said.
He further noted that Nigerian startups founded by migrants attracted over $800 million in investments in 2022, emphasizing the transformative potential of the diaspora community.
While acknowledging the positive impacts of migration, Shettima expressed concerns over the challenges of irregular migration, revealing that the nation repatriated and reintegrated at least 10,000 Nigerians detained for migration-related offences in 2024.
“However, we must acknowledge that irregular migration remains a persistent challenge. In 2024, we have already returned and reintegrated no fewer than 10,000 Nigerians who had been detained for immigration offenses in African and European countries,” Shettima said.
He assured attendees that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to addressing migration challenges. This commitment, he said, was reaffirmed during the President’s speech at this year’s United Nations General Assembly.
Earlier, Ahmed Mohammed, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), noted that the annual dialogue is a critical platform for evaluating migration progress and shaping policies to address emerging issues.
In her remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, praised the Nigerian diaspora for their hard work and brilliance, emphasizing their role in advancing global economies.
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