…Says FG Returned 10,000 Citizens Detained For Sundry Migration Offences In 2024
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed support for migration of citizens from one part of the world to another.
According to the Vice President, migration is a major contributor to national and global development, says Nigerian immigrants account for highest diaspora remittances in West Africa.
He noted that migration goes beyond crossover from one geographical location to another but a system of fostering economic and social development, using the richest man in the world, Elon Musk who migrated to America and other global figures to buttress his position.
While narrowing it down to the country, Shettima noted that in the year 2022 alone, Nigeria accounted for $21.9 billion in diaspora remittances, representing 64% of all remittances in West Africa.
He listed this as a testament to the invaluable economic contributions of Nigerian migrants.
He further stated that Nigerian migrants have become global ambassadors who excel in technology, medicine, sports, creative arts, and other human endeavours.
Shettima disclosed this on Monday during the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue with the theme, “Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting Their Rights,” at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
While cautioning against the constant challenges of irregular migration, he regretted that Nigerian government returned about 10,000 of its citizens detained for sundry migration offences in 2024 alone.
His said, “Migration is not just a crossover from one geography to another. It is a critical driver of global and national development. In 2022 alone, Nigeria accounted for $21.9 billion in diaspora remittances, representing 64% of all remittances in West Africa. This is a testament to the invaluable economic contributions of Nigerian migrants.
“Beyond financial remittances, our migrants have become global ambassadors, excelling in fields such as technology, medicine, sports, and the creative arts. Nigerian startups funded by migrants attracted over $800 million in investments in 2022, underscoring the transformative potential of our people across the globe.”
On the theme of the event, Shettima noted that while the Annual National Migration Dialogue coincides with the commemoration of International Migrants Day, the theme of the dialogue sparks solemn “reflection on the dual essence of migration—its remarkable contributions to society and the enduring need to safeguard the rights of those who undertake these journeys.”
According to him, Nigeria is both a country of origin and a destination for migrants, with over 1.3 million international migrants living within.
The Vice President cautioned against the constant challenges of irregular migration, even as he regretted that the nation returned about 10,000 of its citizens detained for sundry migration offences in 2024 alone.
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