FG Pledges Youth-Centered Policies to Tackle Irregular Migration

The Federal Government has pledged to implement sustained, youth-focused policies aimed at curbing irregular migration and its associated risks.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, made this known during the closing ceremony of the first thematic meeting of the Rabat Process held in Abuja.

The Rabat Process, a key Euro-African dialogue on migration and development, convened under the theme: “Youth, Education and Innovation – Driving the Future of Migration.” Nigeria, as the current chair, hosted the event, which brought together over 100 delegates from 57 partner countries.

Prof. Yilwatda emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing innovation in migration governance by prioritising youth skills, mobility, and dignity. He described youth innovation and education as critical drivers of sustainable migration systems.

“Nigeria remains committed to leading the Rabat Process with empathy, data, and integrity,” Yilwatda said. “We must forge effective partnerships to build inclusive and humane migration governance structures.”

He acknowledged the complex influences of conflict, climate change, and economic disparity on migration, urging a shift in global narratives from fear to opportunity.

“Migration should be legal, dignified, and voluntary—driven by skills and purpose, not desperation,” he added.

Yilwatda called for stronger investment in education-to-employment pathways, particularly in fragile and climate-affected regions, and urged the development of shared frameworks that recognise qualifications and create safe, legal migration channels.

Also speaking, Pilar Jimenez, Spain’s Ambassador-at-Large for Migration Affairs, expressed her country’s continued commitment to supporting youth participation in the Rabat Process.

“Youth is not just part of the solution—they are the solution,” Jimenez said. “The future has started here in Abuja.”

She stressed the need to move from merely including youth in dialogue to co-creating migration governance spaces with them.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to foster dignified, safe, and opportunity-driven migration frameworks between Africa and Europe.