Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has pledged stronger collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to tackle human trafficking, illegal migration and to harness the potential of Abians in the diaspora for sustainable development.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Tuesday, in his office, at Isialangwa South LGA, during a visit by the newly appointed IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche.
The Governor, who announced immediate steps to facilitate the partnership, revealed that immediate provisions would be made for the IOM operational office in Abia.
While reaffirming his administration’s commitment to eradicating human trafficking and related crimes, Governor Otti stressed that his government maintains zero tolerance for all forms of criminal activity.
“We are very focused on ensuring that all forms of crime and criminality are wiped away from this state. And human trafficking is one of them.
“We have zero tolerance for any kind of criminal activity at all. Those who have decided that those are the kind of things they will engage in, have found that this place is not comfortable for them”, he emphasized.
On Diaspora Engagement, Governor Otti underscored the significance of diaspora remittances, which he noted amount to over $20 billion annually and play a vital role in supporting education, healthcare, and economic stability.
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The Governor disclosed plans to collaborate with relevant Ministries to provide reintegration support for returnees, noting that many who wish to come back are often discouraged by uncertainty about where to begin their lives.
“Some of them may want to return, but they are afraid of where to even start from. If there are organised systems to receive them, I am confident it will encourage their return. The initiative is a form of reverse migration”, Gov Otti explained.
He urged the IOM to collaborate with the State’s Diaspora Commission, which regularly convenes stakeholders across America, Europe, Southeast Asia and beyond, in their annual December homecoming.
In her remarks, the International Organisation for Migration Chief of Mission Sharon Dimanche said her priority was to work closely with the state in line with government and people-centred priorities.
“I do not have any other agenda except the government agenda. Except the agenda of the people of Nigeria. I came here to serve,” she stated.
Dimanche outlined four immediate focus areas of the IOU to include combating human trafficking, harnessing diaspora potential, supporting returnees through sustainable reintegration, and improving data management for migration governance.
She commended the Abia State for pioneering Diaspora Commission as as well as addressing the challenges of human trafficking, illegal migration and pledged IOM’s technical and resource support.
“I want to see how we can consider establishing structures, mechanisms that would facilitate diaspora sending back money home and invest that in either community infrastructure initiatives.
“We are here to work, that work should start immediately”, she said.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Multilateral and Donor Agencies, Mr Odinaka Eme, traced the collaboration between the State Government and the IOM to 2023 engagements that culminated in an MoU and a roadmap.
He assured that work would commence “any moment now,” with provisions already made for IOM’s operational space in Abia.
