Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens abroad while deepening diaspora contributions to national development at the ongoing International Migration Review Forum (IMRF 2026) in New York.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard M. Doro made the declaration on Wednesday while co-chairing a high-level roundtable on diaspora engagement at the forum, held at the United Nations Headquarters.
Doro said Nigeria is repositioning its diaspora engagement strategy to better integrate remittances, investments, skills transfer and innovation into the country’s development agenda. He described Nigerians in the diaspora as “critical partners” in driving inclusive growth.
According to him, initiatives such as diaspora investment platforms and targeted financial instruments are already being deployed to channel diaspora resources into measurable socio-economic outcomes.
The minister noted a shift in approach, emphasizing that diaspora communities should not only be seen as beneficiaries of government protection systems but as active contributors to development.
He also called for stronger coordination in migration governance, warning against fragmented humanitarian responses. Doro urged global stakeholders to adopt more system-driven and innovative strategies that bridge policy commitments with real-world implementation.
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The forum, which runs from May 5 to 8, is a key global platform reviewing progress on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, bringing together governments, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen international cooperation on migration.
Doro said Nigeria’s position aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes inclusive growth, global partnerships and expanded opportunities for Nigerians at home and abroad.
He expressed optimism that deliberations at the forum would produce actionable outcomes to help build a more inclusive and development-driven migration system while safeguarding Nigerian citizens worldwide.
