Nigeria and Türkiye have renewed efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation on migration management, with both countries focusing on the humane and dignified return and reintegration of undocumented Nigerians residing in Türkiye.
This was disclosed in a statement by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, following a courtesy visit by a delegation from Türkiye’s Presidency of Migration Management to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation, led by Hünkar Burkan İbin, Head of the Deportation Department for Removal Affairs, met with officials of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to discuss plans aimed at formalising cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, Turkish officials disclosed that consultations were already underway with relevant Nigerian institutions, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the CLEEN Foundation and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
Speaking during the visit, İbin explained that undocumented migrants apprehended in Türkiye are taken to holding centres while Nigerian authorities are contacted to facilitate their return. However, he stressed that voluntary return remains the preferred option under Türkiye’s National Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (NAVRR) Mechanism.
According to him, migrants who opt for voluntary return are assigned dedicated counsellors who assess their needs and provide support ranging from financial assistance to other forms of reintegration aid. The programme caters to individuals facing deportation, those under administrative detention, victims of human trafficking, asylum seekers and other categories of migrants.
İbin also highlighted opportunities for legal migration, noting that Nigerians currently account for about 2,600 of the estimated 350,000 international students studying in Türkiye.
He said efforts would be made to expand legal migration pathways and increase the number of work permits available to Nigerians, while emphasising the need to curb irregular migration. He acknowledged that while some Nigerians had been involved in criminal activities in Türkiye, such cases represented a very small proportion of the Nigerian community.
Responding, NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, welcomed the Turkish delegation and pledged the Commission’s support for the initiative.
She said NiDCOM would intensify awareness campaigns to ensure undocumented Nigerians in Türkiye are informed about the voluntary return programme and encouraged to take advantage of it when it becomes operational.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that Türkiye holds a special place in Nigeria’s diaspora engagement efforts, recalling that it was the first country to sign a bilateral diaspora-related Memorandum of Understanding with Nigeria.
She assured that NiDCOM would serve as a bridge to ensure that commitments made by the Turkish government to returning Nigerians are fulfilled.
The NiDCOM Chairman urged undocumented Nigerians in Türkiye to embrace the programme, stressing that the Commission would work closely with Turkish authorities to ensure beneficiaries receive all promised reintegration support.
She also reiterated Nigeria’s stance against irregular migration, warning that migration regulations around the world are becoming increasingly stringent, making undocumented migration more difficult and risky.
Describing Türkiye as a compassionate nation, Dabiri-Erewa praised the contributions of Nigerians living in the country, particularly in business, medicine and sports. She also referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Türkiye as a significant milestone in strengthening relations between both nations.
According to her, NiDCOM would collaborate with NCFRMI and other stakeholders to sensitise Nigerians on the opportunities available under the voluntary return programme while educating prospective migrants on the dangers of irregular migration.
“Migration is to leave and seek a better life. But if it is not working, come back home,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the welfare and dignity of Nigerians in Türkiye remain a priority, while pledging closer collaboration to implement the outcomes of the engagement.
