Türkiye, NiDCOM Partner on Voluntary Return of Undocumented Nigerians

Türkiye, NiDCOM Partner on Voluntary Return of Undocumented Nigerians
Both parties agreed to strengthen cooperation on migration management
İbin disclosed that about 2,600 Nigerians are among the estimated 350,000 international students studying in Türkiye

The Turkish Migration Management Presidency has initiated moves to partner with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to facilitate the voluntary return and reintegration of undocumented Nigerians residing in Türkiye.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the commitment was made during a visit by a 14-member Turkish delegation led by Hünkar İbin, Head of the Department of Removal Affairs, to NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.

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Both parties agreed to strengthen cooperation on migration management and formalise the arrangement through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Turkish delegation disclosed that consultations were already ongoing with relevant Nigerian institutions, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the CLEEN Foundation ahead of the signing of the agreement.

İbin explained that undocumented Nigerians apprehended in Türkiye are currently held while arrangements are made for their return, noting that voluntary repatriation remains the preferred option under Türkiye’s National Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (NAVRR) Mechanism.

According to him, the programme provides returnees with counselling services and reintegration support tailored to their individual needs.

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“The mechanism is open to foreigners with deportation decisions, those under administrative detention, victims of human trafficking, international protection applicants and status holders,” he said.

İbin disclosed that about 2,600 Nigerians are among the estimated 350,000 international students studying in Türkiye, expressing optimism that legal migration opportunities between both countries would continue to expand.

He added that the engagement with Nigerian authorities aims to promote orderly migration while creating pathways for voluntary return and sustainable reintegration.

Responding, Dabiri-Erewa pledged NiDCOM’s support for the initiative, assuring that the commission would sensitise undocumented Nigerians in Türkiye on the available opportunities under the programme.

She noted that Türkiye was the first country to sign a bilateral diaspora MoU with Nigeria, describing the existing relationship as a solid foundation for deeper collaboration.

“NiDCOM will serve as a bridge to ensure that commitments made to Nigerians under the programme are fulfilled,” she said.

The NiDCOM boss reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to discouraging irregular migration, stressing that migration policies are becoming increasingly stringent across the world.

She also highlighted the positive contributions of Nigerians living in Türkiye, particularly in business, medicine and sports.

According to her, NiDCOM will work closely with NCFRMI and other stakeholders to educate Nigerians on available reintegration opportunities and the dangers associated with irregular migration.

“Migration is to leave and seek a better life. But if it is not working, come back home,” she said.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of Nigerians in Türkiye and implementing resolutions reached during the meeting.