The Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has pledged lobbying for the support of the Federal Executive Council towards bringing the Draft National Policy on Migration to notice.
He made the remark when the out-going Chief of Mission of the International Organization of Migration in Nigeria (IOM- Nigeria), Martin Ocaga in the company of officials from the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) paid him an advocacy visit recently. The visit was to present and seek the endorsement of the Draft National Policy on Migration as well as bare farewell to the out-going Chief of Mission.
While receiving the draft National Policy on Migration, the Minister promised to ensure support for and acceptance of the draft document by the Federal Executive Council when presented to them. "The first draft of the policy was validated and forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for approval in 2010, but was returned to the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) for further review of its contents and incorporaion of current realities and migration dynamics both locally and internationally," he said.
Kabiru Turaki noted with gratitude the efforts of the Technical Working Group, particularly Martin Ocaga in the production of the Draft National Policy on Migration; saying he was leaving Nigeria after serving as Chief of Mission of the IOM-Nigeria for four years.
The Out-going Chief of Mission who acknowledged having had useful partnership with Nigeria, especially the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons said IOM-Nigeria pledges continuous support to the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons to enable it stabilise in the management and co-ordination of migration affairs in Nigeria. He also reiterated the intention to assist towards capacity building for the Commission's staff.
''I would like to affirm our willingness to continue the partnership to the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians at large. The Minister should help in securing the endorsement of the Policy," he stated.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Winifred Oyo-Ita expressed the appreciation of the Nigerian Government to the Out-going Chief of Mission, who she noted collaborated so well with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in the areas of capacity building and technical support. She also noted with appreciation, Martin Ocaga's deployment of a Programme Officer who is making a difference at the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
Source: Draft policy document on migration to be given priority - Turaki (http://www.nigeria.gov.ng/2012-10-29-11-09-25/news/602-draft-policy-document-on-migration-to-be-given-priority-turaki)