The Federal Government has launched a renewed push to combat human trafficking and irregular migration, citing worsening economic conditions and the increasing use of digital platforms by traffickers to target vulnerable Nigerians. More than 1,000 Nigerians have voluntarily returned from Libya, Lebanon, Morocco, Mali, Egypt, India and the United Arab Emirates under the government's COMPASS programme, with over 900 returnees receiving psychosocial care, healthcare and livelihood support. The initiative, now in its fifth year, aims to strengthen migration governance, improve policy coordination and prioritise the protection of migrants.
Sharon Dimanche, Chief of Mission for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, said migration is not inherently problematic but stressed the need for safe, orderly and legal pathways. She cited the case of a woman identified as 'Joy', who was trafficked abroad, suffered severe exploitation, and upon return accessed IOM-supported reintegration services that enabled her to start a fashion business and employ other young women. "Joy is no longer defined by what happened to her. She is defined by what she has become," Dimanche said.
Dr. Bernard Doro, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting returnees, refugees and displaced persons, linking migration management to President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. He said the 'One Humanitarian, One Poverty Reduction' framework integrates emergency aid with long-term poverty reduction. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, represented by Mrs. Erimfolami Ola, noted that women and children remain the most affected by trafficking and irregular migration. She credited COMPASS with enabling the return of over 1,000 Nigerians and strengthening anti-trafficking responses, particularly in Edo State.
Bengt van Loosdrecht, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria, announced a new football-based youth initiative under COMPASS to teach life skills and raise awareness about migration risks. The programme, funded by the Netherlands, supports survivor care, mental health services and institutional capacity building. Binta Bello, Director-General of NAPTIP, described COMPASS as a key strategic partnership in Nigeria's anti-trafficking efforts.
The government claims to be tackling human trafficking while presiding over the economic conditions that push thousands to risk dangerous routes. Returnees like Joy are held up as success stories, yet the scale of reintegration support remains limited to a fraction of those affected. The same ministers celebrating COMPASS also oversee policies failing to curb the poverty and unemployment driving migration. A football initiative may raise awareness, but it does not create jobs or safe passage for desperate youth.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
