President Bola Tinubu has expressed concern over the increasing emigration of Nigerian skilled professionals and university graduates seeking enhanced education, employment, and prospects globally.

Mr Tinubu expressed the concern at the 2023 National Migration Dialogue organised by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) on Thursday in Abuja.

The dialogue’s theme is “Leveraging on Youth Migration for National Development’’.

Represented by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, the president said that exploring the nexus between migration, youth, and national development within the Nigerian context was crucial.

He said this was because the youth comprised 16 per cent of the world’s population and were a growing mobile demographic that could play a significant role in fostering positive development if properly harnessed.

“Nigeria boasts one of the highest global population growth rates, with the World Bank anticipating a potential doubling of Nigeria’s population within the next 25 to 30 years.

“As you may be aware, Nigeria serves as a pivotal hub for young migrants as a source, transit, and destination country.

“The prevalent use of irregular migration routes compounds vulnerabilities; thus, addressing this challenge necessitates the exploration of alternative strategies to diminish such vulnerabilities,” Mr Tinubu said.

According to him, Nigeria will diversify its economy and contribute to a more balanced and resilient growth trajectory.

On his part, the federal commissioner of NCFRMI, Tijani Ahmed, said the dialogue was to address the challenges of migration, particularly as they intersect with the aspirations and potential of the youth.

Mr Ahmed said the commission had successfully assisted in receiving no fewer than 4,500 voluntary and forced returned migrants from various countries.

He said that assistance was in collaboration with the support of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and other national and sub-national migration stakeholders.

“These migrants are currently being integrated into various reintegration programmes of the government, civil society organisations and our international partners,” Mr Ahmed said.

Also speaking, the Chief of Mission, IOM, Laurent De Boeck, said to harness the potential of youth migration, government policies must be seen to care for the diaspora and not be extractive.

“IOM remains committed to working with the national government and all relevant stakeholders in ensuring that we change the narrative on migration to enhance regular pathways to migrants,’’ Mr De Boeck added.

(NAN)