Doro Seeks Stronger Nigeria-EU Partnership on Poverty Reduction, Skills Development, Safe Migration
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and the European Union (EU) to tackle poverty, unemployment, insecurity and other challenges driving irregular migration.
Doro made the call when he received a delegation of the European Union, led by the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, during a courtesy visit to his office.
The Minister emphasised that Nigeria’s partnership with the EU should extend beyond migration management to addressing the underlying economic and social challenges forcing citizens to leave their communities in search of better opportunities.
He stressed that migration should be a matter of choice rather than desperation, noting that Nigerians should have access to legitimate economic opportunities at home and abroad.
Doro reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to poverty reduction, youth empowerment and human capital development. He called for increased investment in digital, technical and vocational skills to prepare Nigerians for employment opportunities both locally and internationally.
He also advocated structured labour mobility programmes that would provide legal migration pathways for Nigerians while addressing workforce demands in destination countries.
On humanitarian support, the Minister acknowledged the EU’s assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly in the North-West, but urged the international body to pay greater attention to emerging humanitarian challenges in the North-Central region, especially Benue State, which continues to accommodate a significant number of displaced persons.
He maintained that stronger institutional partnerships, targeted interventions and sustained humanitarian assistance would help Nigeria tackle poverty, address displacement challenges and promote safe and orderly migration.
In his response, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria through cooperation in migration management, security, trade and the reintegration of returning migrants.
Brunner described the planned signing of a readmission agreement with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a significant step towards deepening bilateral relations.
He also highlighted ongoing joint efforts to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, improve the reintegration of returned migrants and explore additional areas of cooperation.
Earlier, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olubumi Olusanya, welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Minister and staff of the Ministry.
He expressed optimism that the engagement would provide an opportunity for meaningful discussions and further strengthen existing relations between Nigeria and the European Union.
The meeting was attended by Directors of the Ministry, EU officials and the EU Ambassador, His Excellency Gauntier Mignot.
