Okpebholo Seeks EU Support To Curb Irregular Migration, Reintegrate Returnees

By Edward Oseghe

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on the European Union (EU) and other international partners to strengthen support for the state’s efforts to curb irregular migration, combat human trafficking and facilitate the reintegration of returnees.

Okpebholo made the call on Wednesday when he received a delegation of EU representatives on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Benin City, where he stressed the need to create better opportunities at home to discourage residents from embarking on dangerous migration journeys.

The governor said his administration was committed to protecting Edo residents from the dangers of irregular migration, insisting that relocating abroad was not necessarily the best option for everyone.

He regretted that many Nigerians living abroad could have contributed significantly to the country’s development if they had remained at home, adding that his administration was working with relevant stakeholders to address the factors driving migration.

“Each time I travel, I see Nigerians in the diaspora, and something comes to my mind.

“If these people were in Nigeria, they could have contributed significantly to the country’s development.

“For me I don’t believe leaving your country to another country is the best thing to do, that is why we take it seriously to make sure we protect our people.

“This is one of the major reasons why we set up Edo State Migration Agency and Edo State Diaspora Agency to interface with the relevant stakeholders.

“If I were to be in Germany or any other country other than Nigeria, I won’t be the governor, that is why I try as much as possible to discourage people from leaving their country,” he said.

Okpebholo noted that migration from Edo appeared to be declining but expressed concern over the difficulties Nigerians encounter while living abroad.

He cited the return of some families from South Africa as an example, urging returnees to see Nigeria as a place where they could rebuild their lives, pursue opportunities and contribute to national development.

While acknowledging the importance of supporting returnees, the governor stressed that government alone could not adequately address the challenges associated with migration, calling for stronger collaboration with international partners.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency (EDMA), Mr Lucky Agazuma, commended Okpebholo for his administration’s efforts to strengthen migration management and tackle human trafficking.

Agazuma said the governor’s commitment had attracted attention beyond Edo State, noting that other states had expressed interest in learning from the state’s strategies.

He called for deeper engagement with the European Union and other international partners to develop collaborative approaches to migration management and address challenges affecting vulnerable migrants.

Similarly, the Director-General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, Dr Loretta Ogboro-Okor, called for stronger measures to curb irregular migration and promote safe labour migration.

Ogboro-Okor commended the governor for supporting the agency, saying his commitment demonstrated an understanding of the need to protect the lives and welfare of Edo indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora.

On his part, Franklin Nguendia, Seconded National Expert and European Union Liaison Officer, said the delegation visited Edo State to engage with government officials on migration-related challenges.

Nguendia explained that the engagement would enable the EU team to understand the current migration situation in the state, identify existing gaps and explore opportunities for stronger cooperation in tackling the challenges.

The visit underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing irregular migration, promoting safer migration pathways and supporting the sustainable reintegration of Nigerians returning from abroad.