New partner in the Netherlands plans to create migration opportunities for skilled Nigerians

As part of efforts to curb irregular migration from Nigeria, the Institute of International Relations in the Netherlands has expressed interest in partnering with the Nigerian government to promote safe and legal migration opportunities for skilled Nigerians.

The partnership programme is expected to focus on the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and agriculture sectors.

“The initiative will encourage young graduates from Nigeria to upscale their skills in ICT and agriculture while in the Netherlands, and return home to impact on the country to create jobs and reduce poverty,” said Monika Sie Dhian Ho, General Director of the Institute of International Relations, during a visit to the head of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) on 23 January.

Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the head of NIDCOM, said there is the need to promote safe and legal migration channels in the light of the dangers faced by migrants in the desert and Mediterranean sea.

In recent years, Nigeria has been a major source of migrants attempting to reach Europe via irregular routes. The national government recently expressed concern on the increasing number of Nigerian youths willing to travel through irregular routes despite the dangers involved.

Nearly 16,000 Nigerians voluntarily returned from sixteen countries between 2017 and 2019 due to harsh migration experiences having travelled through irregular means.

Dabiri-Erewa stressed that NIDCOM would collaborate with partners in the Netherlands to make Nigerian migrants aware of the opportunity provided by the Institute.

TMP – 04/03/2020

Photo credit: Igor Kardasov / Shutterstock

Photo caption: African marine engineer officer in engine control room ECR. Seamen’s work. He works at the computer