Dabiri champions legal migration pathways at global forum

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa urged global leaders to expand safe migration channels during her keynote at the Rabat Process conference in Abuja.

The NiDCOM chief emphasized that structured labor mobility reduces irregular migration dangers while boosting economic growth.

Speaking under Nigeria’s chairmanship, she detailed nationwide campaigns educating citizens about legal migration options. “Awareness prevents exploitation,” Dabiri-Erewa asserted, noting how misinformation often pushes youth toward perilous journeys. The forum’s theme, *Youth, Education, and Innovation*, aligned with Nigeria’s push for inclusive migration policies.

Meanwhile, she spotlighted diaspora Nigerians as development catalysts, citing their $20 billion remittances last year. These funds contributed 5.7% to GDP, dwarfing foreign investments by elevenfold. “Our diaspora isn’t just an asset—it’s our lifeline,” she declared, drawing applause from European and African delegates.

Additionally, Dabiri-Erewa advocated for youth inclusion in migration governance. She revealed NiDCOM’s *Home Strings* initiative engaging diaspora youth through skills exchanges and policy dialogues. “Young minds offer fresh solutions to migration challenges,” she noted, urging nations to harness their technological savvy.

The Rabat Process, a Euro-African collaboration, provided the perfect platform for these discussions. Participants explored sustainable development links to migration, with Nigeria sharing its diaspora engagement models. Dabiri-Erewa’s interventions reinforced the need for multilateral cooperation to transform migration into a growth engine.

As the session concluded, she called for concrete actions: standardized labor agreements, pre-departure training programs, and stronger consular protections. Her blueprint aims to balance opportunity with responsibility, ensuring migration benefits both origin and destination countries. The proposals received broad support, marking a step toward safer, more productive population movements across continents.

Ultimately, the conference highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in migration diplomacy. With Dabiri-Erewa’s vision, the nation is shaping a future where mobility empowers rather than endangers its citizens. The dialogue continues, but the message is clear—legal pathways protect people while fueling progress.

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