The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has officially adopted Nigeria’s Revised National Migration Policy, marking a significant step towards improving the protection of migrants and facilitating the reintegration of returning Nigerians. The decision was made during a meeting on Wednesday, following extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners.

Dr. Bernard Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, emphasized that the policy will provide a robust framework for aligning Nigeria’s international migration commitments with actionable local strategies. This new policy aims to enhance the safety and regularity of migration, improve support for Nigerians returning home, and optimize the developmental contributions of migration.

In a statement released by his Senior Technical Adviser, Dr. Abimbola Fasanu, Doro highlighted that the adoption of the policy is particularly timely, coming on the heels of Nigeria's participation in the 2026 International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Doro, who led Nigeria’s delegation at the forum, noted that the country showcased its progress in implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

"Our participation at the International Migration Review Forum demonstrated Nigeria’s commitments to the world. The adoption of the Revised National Migration Policy brings those commitments home and provides the national framework for translating them into coordinated and measurable action," Doro stated.

The minister further explained that the success of migration governance should ultimately be assessed based on its impact on Nigerians, both domestically and abroad. He stressed the importance of creating systems that enable safe migration while protecting those who move and supporting those who return.

The Revised National Migration Policy is the result of a collaborative effort involving the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and technical support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). It was validated by stakeholders during a Technical Working Group meeting in Abuja in April 2025.

Doro commended the contributions of various stakeholders, including the NCFRMI and civil society organizations, in the policy review process. He noted that the implementation of the policy will enhance coordination among federal, state, and local governments and create clearer mechanisms for maximizing the economic contributions of migration and the Nigerian diaspora.

Dr. Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, welcomed the FEC's decision, describing it as a culmination of extensive technical work and consultations. He expressed optimism that the approval will invigorate coordinated implementation efforts at all levels of government, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to protect migrants and vulnerable populations.

The minister concluded by reiterating that the adoption of the policy is just the beginning of a crucial phase that focuses on implementation, monitoring, and localization. He affirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s international obligations translate into tangible benefits for its citizens, stating, "This approval is not the end of the process. It is the beginning of the most important phase: implementation."