Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has revealed that no fewer than 10,000 Nigerians are detained over immigration offences in different African and European countries in 2024.
Shettima, who disclosed this while delivering a keynote address during the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday, noted that Nigeria was both a country of origin and a destination for migrants, with over 1.3 million international migrants living within.
He, however, cautioned against the constant challenges of irregular migration, regretting that the nation returned about 10,000 of its citizens detained for sundry migration offences in 2024 alone.
Speaking on the theme, “Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting Their Rights,” the VP applauded the contributions of Nigerian immigrants to the global economy, saying Nigeria accounts for the highest of all diaspora remittances in West Africa.
He emphasized that apart from diaspora remittances, Nigerian migrants have become global ambassadors who excel in technology, medicine, sports, creative arts, and other human endeavours.
“Migration is not just a crossover from one geography to another. It is a critical driver of global and national development. In 2022 alone, Nigeria accounted for $21.9 billion in diaspora remittances, representing 64% of all remittances in West Africa. This is a testament to the invaluable economic contributions of Nigerian migrants,” he said.
“Beyond financial remittances, our migrants have become global ambassadors, excelling in fields such as technology, medicine, sports, and the creative arts. Nigerian startups founded by migrants attracted over $800 million in investments in 2022, underscoring the transformative potential of our people across the globe.
“However, we must acknowledge that irregular migration remains a persistent challenge. In 2024, we have already returned and reintegrated no fewer than 10,000 Nigerians who had been detained for immigration offenses in African and European countries.”
The Vice President further assured that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to tackling the challenges of migration, a resolve he said the President reaffirmed at this year’s United Nations General Assembly.