The Federal Government has called for stronger cooperation with the European Union (EU) to address poverty, unemployment, insecurity and other challenges pushing Nigerians into irregular migration.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard M. Doro, made the call on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, when he received a high-level EU delegation led by the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, during a courtesy visit to his office.
Key Highlights
- Nigeria wants its migration partnership with the EU to address poverty and unemployment, not just migration control.
- Minister Bernard Doro called for greater investment in youth empowerment, vocational training and human capital development.
- The minister urged the EU to increase humanitarian support for displaced persons in Benue State and other parts of the North-Central region.
- EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner identified migration management, security, trade and migrant reintegration as key areas of cooperation.
- Both sides discussed a planned readmission agreement involving Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Nigeria Calls for Economic Solutions to Irregular Migration
Doro said Nigeria’s partnership with the EU should go beyond efforts to control migration and focus on addressing the economic and social conditions forcing people to leave their communities in search of better opportunities.
He maintained that migration should be a matter of choice rather than desperation, stressing that Nigerians need access to legitimate employment opportunities and the support required to build sustainable livelihoods within the country.
The minister identified poverty reduction, youth empowerment and human capital development as major priorities of the Federal Government.
He called for increased investment in digital education, technical training and vocational programmes to equip Nigerians with skills for employment opportunities both locally and internationally.
Doro also advocated structured labour mobility programmes that would provide legal channels for Nigerians seeking employment abroad while helping destination countries address their workforce needs.
Doro Seeks More EU Support for Displaced Persons
On humanitarian assistance, the minister acknowledged the EU’s support for internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly in the North-West.
However, he urged the European bloc to extend greater attention to emerging humanitarian challenges in the North-Central region.
He specifically highlighted Benue State, which continues to accommodate a significant number of displaced persons, and called for sustained humanitarian assistance and targeted interventions.
According to Doro, stronger institutional partnerships and sustained investments in poverty reduction would help Nigeria tackle humanitarian challenges while promoting safe, orderly and mutually beneficial migration.
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EU Reaffirms Partnership With Nigeria
In his response, Brunner reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria.
He identified migration management, security, trade and the reintegration of returning migrants as major areas requiring continued cooperation between both sides.
The European Commissioner also described the planned signing of a readmission agreement with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an important step towards deepening bilateral engagement.
He further highlighted existing collaboration to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, improve the reintegration of returning migrants and explore additional areas of mutual interest.
Ministry, EU Officials Attend Meeting
Earlier, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Olubumi Olusanya, welcomed the delegation on behalf of the minister and staff.
He expressed confidence that the engagement would strengthen existing relations between Nigeria and the European Union.
The meeting was attended by directors of the ministry, EU officials and the EU Ambassador, His Excellency Gauntier Mignot.
The engagement underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing the economic pressures and humanitarian conditions contributing to irregular migration.
It also highlights the need to expand legitimate employment opportunities, improve skills development and strengthen support for vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
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