Nigeria has made substantial progress in GCM implementation after 2022 IMRF - Stakeholders

The communique noted that all 23 GCM objectives have been implemented to varying degrees, guided by the ten GCM guiding principles. It added that while the depth and pace of implementation differ due to national context, institutional capacity, and resource constraints, the overall implementation reflects strong political commitment, expanding institutional frameworks, and increasing integration of migration into national development planning.”

The communique also stated that Nigeria’s 2026 Voluntary National Review demonstrates progress in implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration since the 2022 review. “This progress reflects sustained political commitment, strengthened policy frameworks, and expanded multi-stakeholder engagement. Significant strides were recorded across highly implemented objectives, notably Objectives 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 14, 19, 20, 21, and 23. These include stronger migration data systems, expanded regular migration pathways, improved fair and ethical recruitment mechanisms, deeper diaspora engagement, and enhanced regional and international cooperation. Together, these efforts reflect Nigeria’s continued shift toward evidence-based, inclusive, and development-oriented migration governance.

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“At the same time, uneven progress persists across Objectives 8, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, and 18, largely due to structural, technical, and resource constraints. For Objective 8, priority actions needed include targeted investments in forensic infrastructure, strengthened reporting mechanisms for missing migrants, and effective operationalization of existing Memoranda of Understanding. Implementation of Objective 12 will be strengthened through sustained awareness raising, enhanced human resource capacity, reinforced inter-agency coordination, improved integrated migration databases, and deeper collaboration with non-state actors. For Objective 13, efforts will focus on expanding shelter and reception capacity, exploring alternative funding models, and sustaining capacity building for relevant actors.”

It added that further actions under Objectives 15, 16, and 17 will prioritize strengthening migrant data systems, increasing dedicated budget allocations, streamlining bureaucratic processes, and enhancing awareness and access to justice and anti-discrimination mechanisms. “Progress under Objective 18 will focus on simplifying and digitizing credential recognition systems, aligning curricula with labour market needs, reducing certification costs, and promoting sector-specific and regional mobility agreements,” it said.

Appreciating international support for migration governance in the country, the communique said: “Nigeria acknowledges the valuable support of the UN Network on Migration, particularly through IOM’s technical guidance and the Multi-Partner Trust Fund, in advancing safe, orderly, and regular migration since the adoption of the GCM. This support, especially in strengthening evidence-based migration governance implemented by IOM and UNODC, has been instrumental in the review of Nigeria’s National Migration Policy and its integrated Implementation Plan, which doubles as the National Implementation Plan of the GCM, as well as the development of the country report on trafficking in persons.

“Looking ahead, Nigeria will continue to benefit from targeted technical assistance and financing from the UN Network on Migration and the GCM Capacity Building Mechanism, particularly in areas such as integrated migration data systems, skills recognition, alternatives to detention, and migrant protection mechanisms. Strengthened regional and global collaboration, including on skills mobility, missing migrants, and social protection portability, will be critical to consolidating progress and achieving full GCM implementation. Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to operationalize the GCM principles, uphold the rights and welfare of all migrants, and as Champion, lead by example in promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration at national, regional, and global levels.”