The Ministry of Interior, hosted a bilateral meeting with a delegation from the Netherlands led by the Minister of Migration at the Ministry of Justice and Security, Mr. Eric van der Burg, on Monday in Abuja.
The meeting aimed to reaffirm the commitment of both countries to combat illegal migration and human trafficking, which pose serious threats to the security, welfare and dignity of Nigerian citizens and the nation at large.
“We are pleased to welcome our Dutch counterparts and exchange views and experiences on how to address the challenges of migration in a humane and effective way.
“We look forward to renewing our Memorandum of Understanding on Migration and enhancing our bilateral relations,” said Dr Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, who was represented by the Director of Joint Services, Mr. Peter Egbodo.
The Permanent Secretary further pointed out that several agencies and institutions had been established and charged with specific responsibilities to deal with issues of migration, and that the Nigerian government was strengthening its travel documents to prevent forgery and fraud that could facilitate illegal migration.
The Permanent Secretary added that Nigeria was equally facing the challenge of illegal migration from neighboring West African countries, which exacerbates the existing insecurity situation in the country.
“As people illegally migrate from Nigeria with the attendant consequences, we equally experience illegal migration from neighboring countries of West Africa into our own country.
“Illegal migration in the face of the current state of insecurity that we have compounds and complicates governments efforts at addressing issues of insecurity. It equally compounds the problem of Nigeria trying to make provision for the welfare and well-being of our citizens,” she said.
The Director Legal Services, Mrs Eva Omotese, also revealed that Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Migration with the Netherlands in 2014, which had expired but is open for renewal under clearer terms.
She added: “The issue of circular migration, labour migration and visa policies should also be reviewed as bilateral talks on migration with the Netherlands and other European countries resume”.
On his part, the Minister of Migration of the Netherlands, Mr. Eric van der Burg, expressed his country’s support for Nigeria’s efforts to deter illegal migration and human trafficking.
He disclosed that his country was providing information, assistance and training to countries that need and want help in the area of border control, migration management and voluntary return and reintegration.
Mr. Eric van der Burg also noted that an effective fight against illegal immigration requires good cooperation between countries of origin, transit and destination alike, including exchange of information between public authorities.
The meeting was also attended by the management staff of the Ministry of Interior and other members of the Netherlands delegation including: The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Mr. Wouter Plomp, H.E., the Deputy Director General international migration management at the Ministry of Justice and Security, Mr. Eeuwke Faber, and the Special Envoy Migration at the ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Peter Schuurman.
Other members include: the First Secretary Migration at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mrs. Eva de Wit, the Senior policy officer international migration at the Ministry of Justice and Security, Mr. Carlo de Witte, and the Spokesperson Minister for Migration at the Ministry of Justice and Security, Mrs. Anneloes Geerts.
The Ministry of Interior is responsible for the internal security, public safety and citizenship affairs of Nigeria. Its vision is to ensure a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious society for all Nigerians. The Ministry has a mission to provide effective and efficient services that promote the rule of law, human rights and national unity.
Ozoya Imohimi,
Director (Press and Public Relations).
