Reassessing Return Migration Governance: Insights on Nigeria's Return Migration Infrastructures

Authors:

Ngozi Louis Uzomah, Ignatius Ani Madu | University of Nigeria

Executive Summary:

In Nigeria, the return migration infrastructure consists of a network of various government ministries, international organisations such as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX), alongside local civil society organisations. Together, these entities strive to ensure the safe and dignified return of Nigerian migrants. However, significant challenges persist, including poor coordination among ministries, insufficient community engagement, and a disconnect between policy formulation and practical execution. Conducted from June 2023 to June 2024, this research involved 15 in-depth interviews with stakeholders knowledgeable about return processes, as well as insights from return migrants. Notes from the Technical Working Group, Working Group on Return, Readmission and Reintegration and Reintegration Committee meetings as well as journal articles and online materials were also consulted.

The study outlines the detailed overview of Nigeria’s migration governance framework, which is structured across four hierarchical levels: National Consultative Committee, Technical Working Group, Sub-Thematic Committees and Reintegration Committee. It also examines the four distinctive stages of the return process: predeparture, arrival, reintegration, and monitoring and evaluation. Despite the existence of a comprehensive policy framework, issues such as corruption, limited grassroot involvement and low-capacity hinder effective implementation. These challenges reveal a power asymmetry in international cooperation that complicates governance and fosters dependency on international actors. The exclusion of local chiefs from the governance framework creates a problem, as their involvement is crucial for effective reintegration. The dynamics of international cooperation on return governance are characterised by hegemonic relationships between the EU and Nigeria. This power asymmetry is evident in trade and migration policies, with EU policies often dominating the discourse. Many Nigerian officials rely on European sponsorship for training and workshops, leading to a dependency that undermines local decision-making. Cooperation between Nigeria and the EU has not proven efficient, with many returns characterised as coerced rather than voluntary, which undermine the dignity of returnees. 

To enhance reintegration efforts, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons must actively engage with CSOs, traditional chiefs and other stakeholders. Fostering a balanced partnership and equitable dialogues between Nigeria and the EU, strengthening capacity building, establishing robust networks among reintegration entities, and addressing root causes of migration, particularly poor governance, are essential. A coordinated approach among stakeholders is crucial for improving outcomes for returnees in Nigeria and strengthening the return migration infrastructure, ultimately fostering a more effective governance framework that supports the reintegration of returnees into society.

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