- Nigeria 100% Ready for IMRF 2026 in New York
- Reaffirms Commitment to Global Migration Compact
- Officials from Oyo and Edo states also commended the engagement
Nigeria is set for a strong outing at the 2026 International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) scheduled to hold in New York from May 5 to 8, stakeholders have said.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the position was reached at the just-concluded Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), held from February 17 to 21 at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
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The review was organised by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration and attracted participation from federal and state government agencies, international partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Federal Commissioner, NCFRMI, Hon. Dr. Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the GCM, which was endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2018.
He noted that as a Champion Country, Nigeria has domesticated the principles and objectives of the Compact within its national migration governance framework, citing the recently validated revised National Migration Policy and its integrated Implementation Plan.
Ahmed explained that the 2026 review was designed to track progress since the 2024 regional review, assess implementation across the 23 objectives of the Compact and consolidate national priorities ahead of IMRF 2026.
Also speaking, Civil Society Network on Migration coordinator, Fr. Emeka Chris-Obiezu, described the engagement as successful, stating that Nigeria is “good to go” for the global forum.
He highlighted improvements in migration data management, policy alignment and strengthened regular migration pathways, while acknowledging that some challenges remain.
Geofrey Akor, Focal Person of the National Migration Data Working Group at the National Bureau of Statistics, said Nigeria is “100 per cent prepared” for IMRF 2026, citing policy reviews and improved coordination.
Head of Programmes Development at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abiodun Akanbi, said the review provided an opportunity to harmonise strategies for leveraging migration for national development.
Officials from Oyo and Edo states also commended the engagement. Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, said the forum would strengthen migration governance and help curb irregular migration.
Civil society representatives, including Osita Osemene of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour, said the engagement strengthened collaboration between government and non-state actors in addressing migrant protection issues.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that Nigeria’s improved coordination, reviewed migration policies and strengthened data systems would enhance its representation and impact at the 2026 IMRF in New York.
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