Nigeria has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Rabat Process, a key Euro-African dialogue on migration and development that brings together 57 partner countries, the European Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and several other international organizations.
The transition was formalized at the Senior Officials Meeting of the Rabat Process, held on 29–30 January 2025 in Porto, Portugal.
Established in 2006, the Rabat Process serves as a framework for cooperation on migration governance, focusing on areas such as regular pathways, irregular migration, migration and development, and international protection.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, received the Articles of Chairmanship from the Portuguese Deputy Minister for the Presidency, Dr. Rui Freitas.
Yilwatda, in a statement on Tuesday -today, February 4- explained that “Nigeria’s ascension to this role is a testament to the country’s extensive efforts in migration governance.
“The National Migration Policy (2015) has been widely recognized in the international arena for its well-defined roles and responsibilities assigned to various government agencies, as well as the robust coordination mechanism led by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).
“Through this coordinated approach, Nigeria has positioned itself as a leading voice on migration issues, making its Chairmanship of the Rabat Process a natural progression in its leadership in migration governance, ” he said.
According to him, the ascendancy “marks the beginning of Nigeria’s leadership of the Process for the 2025–2026 period.
“Nigeria’s priority areas as Chair of the Rabat Process (2025–2026) include youth and innovation and empowering young people as key drivers of migration and development.
“Facilitating pathways for regular migration; streamlining migration processes to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration; improving Migration Data Management; enhancing data collection, analysis, and utilization to inform evidence-based migration policies, and promoting human rights and dignity, ensuring the protection and well-being of migrants and individuals in need of international protection.”
Other areas are “climate-induced mobility -addressing the challenges posed by climate change on migration patterns.
“Combating Human Trafficking: Strengthening efforts to prevent, identify, and combat human trafficking across migration routes.
“Advancing sustainable reintegration programmes for returning migrants, through the production of a knowledge product, which will stand as one of the hallmarks of Nigeria’s chairmanship.
“The Significance of Nigeria’s Chairmanship Nigeria’s assumption of this leadership role underscores its growing influence in international migration governance.
“As Chair, Nigeria will drive the strategic direction of the Rabat Process, ensuring that migration policies and frameworks reflect the realities and priorities of both African and European partner countries.”
