In Nigeria, various Government and Non-Governmental Institutions manage different aspects of migration, with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) serving as the coordinating body for all migration-related issues. The NCFRMI is responsible for ensuring that all stakeholders involved in migration efforts operate within established frameworks and standards to achieve the core objectives of migration governance and sustainable solutions.

Key Thematic Groups and Working Groups in Migration Coordination

Standing Committee on Diaspora Matters (SCDM)
The Standing Committee on Diaspora Matters (SCDM) focuses on issues related to diaspora mobilization. The lead agency for this thematic group is the Nigeria National Volunteer Services (NNVS). NNVS has developed its own sectoral policy, known as the Draft Policy on Diaspora Matters, which guides efforts to strengthen diaspora engagement and contributions to national development.

Working Group on Labour Migration
The Federal Ministry of Labour & Productivity (FML&P) leads the Working Group on Labour Migration, providing necessary information and guidance crucial for developing policies in the labour migration sector. This group plays a vital role in managing the movement of Nigerian workers abroad and ensuring their protection, rights, and successful integration.

Working Group on Migration Data Management (WGMD)
The National Population Commission (NPopC) works closely with the Working Group on Migration Data Management (WGMD) to ensure the availability and harmonization of migration-related data across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The WGMD has developed a Strategy Document that serves as a foundation for data sharing among key institutions, facilitated by a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for enhanced coordination and information exchange.

Working Group on Return, Readmission & Reintegration (RRR) Support Programme
The NCFRMI coordinates activities related to Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) and is responsible for leading the Working Group on Return, Readmission & Reintegration (RRR). The Commission has developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Strategy Document for reintegration support, which is awaiting validation by the involved institutions. This initiative focuses on supporting the sustainable return and reintegration of Nigerian migrants who voluntarily return home.

NCFRMI’s Role in Migration Coordination

As the central body for migration coordination in Nigeria, NCFRMI ensures that all related institutions and actors perform their roles effectively and cohesively. The Commission’s responsibilities include:

• Facilitating communication and collaboration between various government agencies and international organizations.
• Ensuring compliance with national migration policies and international agreements.
• Promoting the effective management of migration flows, including the protection of migrants’ rights, labor migration, and the return and reintegration of Nigerian migrants.
• Supporting the collection, management, and sharing of migration data to inform policies and interventions.

Through its leadership in coordinating migration-related activities, NCFRMI strives to create a migration environment that enhances national development, promotes human rights, and ensures security for migrants and the nation as a whole.