The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing enabling environments and adequate protection for migrants in the country.

Tijjani Ahmed, the federal commissioner for the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMI), said this on Wednesday at the International Migrants Day in Abuja.

Mr Ahmed highlighted the invaluable contribution of migrants to Nigeria’s development, including remittances exceeding $23 billion annually and advancements in technology and agriculture.

He said President Bola Tinubu’s administration was committed to creating a secure and supportive environment for migrants while enhancing migration governance.

“We are here today to celebrate the migrants for their technological transfer. We celebrate migrants because of their contributions towards the development of this country.

“We also celebrate them today in order to inform them that the Nigerian government and the people of Nigeria are there for them. We do not forget the contribution of our migrants in the diaspora towards the development of Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Ahmed emphasised Nigeria’s readiness to lead migration governance globally through the ‘Rabat Process’ in 2025, showcasing its dedication to migration management and human rights.

He added, “Nigeria is preparing to take over the leadership of the rubber process by 2025. We are asking everyone within and outside this country to support Nigeria to succeed in the governance of migration internationally.

“We have at least 10,000 migrants in Nigeria and over 20,000 outside the country that are contributing towards the development of the country.”

(NAN)