By Saminu Ibrahim
(SINL NIGERIA) Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens abroad and leveraging diaspora contributions for national development.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard M. Doro, stated this while co-chairing Roundtable 3 on Diaspora Engagement during the 2026 International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States.
According to the Minister, Nigeria’s diaspora community remains a vital partner in promoting inclusive growth through remittances, investments, skills transfer, and innovation.
Janet MCDickson, Director, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction made this known in a statement on Wednesday.
He noted that the Federal Government is repositioning its diaspora engagement strategy to ensure stronger integration of diaspora contributions into national development plans.
Dr. Doro explained that initiatives such as the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit and diaspora-focused financial instruments are being deployed to encourage investment opportunities and facilitate knowledge exchange for national growth.
He said the government’s approach reflects a broader policy direction that recognizes diaspora communities not merely as beneficiaries of protection systems, but as strategic partners in development.
The Minister also stressed the need for coordinated and systems-driven responses to migration and humanitarian challenges, warning against fragmented interventions.
“This roundtable provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can collectively strengthen preventive protection mechanisms, deepen partnerships, and adopt innovative approaches that bridge policy commitments with practical implementation,” he stated.
He further urged stakeholders at the forum to share practical experiences and scalable solutions capable of strengthening global migration governance systems.
Dr. Doro noted that Nigeria’s position aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which emphasizes inclusive development, stronger international partnerships, and expanded opportunities for Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
The Minister however expressed optimism that outcomes from the forum would contribute to building a more inclusive, coordinated, and development-oriented migration system capable of safeguarding citizens while maximizing diaspora potential for national transformation.
SINL NIgeria Online reports that the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF 2026), taking place from May 5 to 8, serves as the principal intergovernmental platform for assessing the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).
The event brings together world leaders, policymakers, development partners, civil society groups, academics, and private sector actors to advance global cooperation on migration issues.
