Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called for stronger cooperation among South-East states, development partners and other stakeholders to promote safe, orderly and regular migration.
Otti made the call while declaring open the inaugural South-East Migration Dialogue 2026 in Umuahia, organised by the Civil Society Network on Migration and Development.
Represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, the governor said migration policies should be translated into practical measures that protect migrants while creating opportunities for host communities.
He said South-East states should complement the Federal Government’s migration policies through skills development, reliable data, investment, migration protection and diaspora engagement.
Otti identified five key areas for action: developing a regional migration framework, expanding digital skills, promoting safe migration, strengthening diaspora protection and development, and supporting the reintegration of returnees.
He warned against irregular migration and the dangers faced by Nigerians who travel without adequate information, skills or protection.
The Director-General of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Aliyu Tijani-Ahmed, commended the initiative, saying it provided a regional platform for the five South-East states to address migration challenges.
Tijani-Ahmed said the region faces issues including irregular migration, human trafficking, migrant smuggling and return migration, stressing the need for coordinated action.
Other stakeholders at the dialogue called for stronger partnerships to provide accurate migration information, protect migrants, expand skills and employment opportunities, and support the reintegration of returnees.
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