NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Tenants in Osun decry exploitative hike by landlords

Tenants in Osun decry exploitative hike by landlords

225 total views today

By Reporters

Tenants in Osogbo, Osun, have decried what they described as exploitative hikes by landlords in the state and called for urgent government intervention.

A cross section of the tenants, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Osogbo, said that “landlords were making life unbearable for them due to hike in rent”.

They called on the state government to, urgently, implement a law that would guide house rent in the state.

A tenant, Mr Emmanuel Ayanda, who resided in Osogbo, said that his landlord recently increased his house rent from N180,000 to N400,00 for a three-bedroom flat, not minding his source of income.

“A few months to the expiry of my rent, the landlord through his lawyer, sent me a letter that rent has increased from N180,000 to N400,000, without any justification.

“The building is very old, without tiles and with old wooden doors, but since I cannot afford the said amount, I have to pack out,” he said.

Ayanda, however, appealed to the state government to rescue tenants by setting up a taskforce to control rent in the state.

Another resident, Miss Feyisayo Akomolafe, who lives in Ogoluwa in Osogbo, said that her rent was increased from N450,000 to N600,000 a year for a two-bedroom apartment.

According to Akomolafe, the way landlords are increasing rent without any form of control may result in a situation where many tenants might become homeless, if nothing is done urgently.

“This is a civil service state and not an industrialised state.

“I wonder where the landlords expect civil servants, who are still struggling for survival, to get money to pay for this exorbitant house rent,” she said.

Also, Mr Jeremiah Obeh, who resides in Ofatedo, Osogbo, said that he rented a three-bedroom apartment for N900,000 per annum.

Obeh, however, said that his landlord recently added N200,000 to the rent to make N1.1 million per annum.

He appealed to the state government to make a law that would regulate the activities of the landlords and their agents.

Also residing in Ofatedo, Miss Glory Adeola said that a one-room self-contained apartment she rented was recently increased from N250,000 to N320,000.

Adeola lamented the “arbitrary increase by landlords without any tangible reasons”.

However, some of the landlords who spoke with NAN, gave reasons
for the exorbitant hike in the state.

Mr Peter Osinubi, a landlord, said that the increase in house rents was a result of the current economic situation.

“I feel the government is in the best position to do something about it,” he said.

Another landlord, Mr Oladele Bode, however, said the tenants could direct their complaints to the government, who was responsible for the rising costs of items in the country.

Mr Abiodun Olowoporokun, Chairman, Association of Real Estate Managers in Osun, however, attributed the hike in rent rates to the insatiable appetite of some greedy landlords in the state.

Olowoporokun said that several efforts had been made to prevail on landlords to stop the unnecessary exorbitant hike, but to no avail.

“Once an estate agent tries to convince a landlord not to put too much on the rent, they will abandon such an agent and go for another one that can do their bidding,” he said.

Olowoporokun said that the reasons given by landlords for the exorbitant hike was current inflation in the country.

According to him, the state government is working on a bill to regularise house rent in the state.

“Once the bill is out, it will help to checkmate the activities of the greedy landlords,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Kofoworola Adewunmi, Majority Leader, state House of Assembly, said that the “Osun State Estate Agency Regulatory Authority Bill 2024” had already been passed.

According to him, the bill seeks to ensure that tenants are not exploited by landlords and estate agents, and it has been passed by the assembly.

“The bill is seeking to control the abnormal charges by the agents and the landlords.

“I sponsored the bill. It has passed through the third reading and has been sent to the governor for his assent.

“Once the bill is signed into law, it will regulate the charges and percentage taken by the house agents.

“It will not give room for any unregistered house agents to operate. It will be mandatory for estate agents to register before they can operate in the state,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Victor Adeoti/Ayodeji Alabi

Wabba advocates strong, independent labour unions to protect workers

Wabba advocates strong, independent labour unions to protect workers

245 total views today

By Joan Nwagwu

A former President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Ayuba Wabba, has called for strong, independent unions that will protect workers across the country.

Wabba made the call at the 42nd National Union of Food Beverages and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE)’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Sunday in Abuja.

The theme of the NEC meeting is, ‘Strategic Partnerships Between Unions and Employers: A Potent Catalyst in Unlocking Exponential Growth Opportunities in a Depressed Economy’.

Wabba said that it was important for unions to strive to be strong and independent, not depending solely on checkups dues rather investing to generate revenue for their unions.

According to him, only strong and independent unions can protect workers’ rights, stressing, “if the union is weak, not independent and cannot pay their bills, their members will not respect the leaderships.

“To harness yourselves towards building a stronger union that can defend workers, instead of wasting your resources in all manner of things, you must continue to build on the successes of what our forefathers have built.

“That is, by investing. This is what has been happening globally with trade unions.

“For example, the Local Government Union in Canada has an investment that is over a trillion dollars.

“As we speak, they have bought an entire power sector with workers’ money, which is an investment.

“All over the world, some unions also have the largest hotels, construction companies because they have continued to invest with the workers money and knowing that only strong unions can defend workers,” he said.

Wabba, who is a former global President of the International Trade Union Congress (ITUC), urged unions to ensure that the income of the workers are secured through investments.

He added that, without check dues, the unions can defend workers, as it is being done in other countries such as Germany, China among others.

“Who told you that trade unions cannot fund airlines. Who told you when workers go on strike, their unions cannot use their resources to pay all their members within the period of the strike.

“Through their investments, they can, and even their employers will be afraid of them. That is why you must build a strong union because you have all it takes,” he said.

The labour leader urged members of NUFBTE to support the leadership of the union and ensure peace and tranquillity strive in the union.

Mr Garba Ibrahim, National President of NUFBTE, said there was the need for harmonious relationship, mutual respect, understanding, open dialogue and tolerance among the members.

Ibrahim said efforts had been made to reconcile aggrieved members of the union.

According to him, the current leadership had embarked on reconciliation process of all identified aggrieved members.

He added that with painstaking efforts and prudent management, the leadership had been able to reduce the huge financial debts of the union. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Trado-Med practitioners to sanction members aiding yahoo-boys, criminals

Trado-Med practitioners to sanction members aiding yahoo-boys, criminals

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By ThompsonYamput

The Kogi Chapter of the National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP) is to sanction any member found aiding yahoo boys and other criminals operating in the state.

The Chairman, Chief Ibrahim Amodu, gave the warning on Saturday while speaking with newsmen in Lokoja.

Amodu, who is also the Onu Igala, Otto-Awori Lagos, described as “worrisome” how some members were said to be aiding criminals and criminality in Kogi by giving them charms.

“It has become obvious to our association that some Yahoo Yahoo and Yahoo plus boys are now using some of our members to commit crimes.

“Perpetrators should know that the new code of practice of the NANTMP prohibits practitioners from aiding and abetting such criminal acts capable of destroying its corporate image.

“Traditional medicine (Trado-med) should be used for good intentions and not for evil.

“Any member found wanting will be made to face the full wrath of the law”, he warned.

He commended security agencies in the state, particularly the Police, Directorate of State Service (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for being alive to their responsibilities.

The chairman expressed the belief that the continued synergy between the association and all security agencies would guarantee the needed unity in containing such criminal tendencies in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Tinubu prioritises 2,694 inherited projects

Tinubu prioritises 2,694 inherited projects

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By Angela Atabo

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, says President Bola Tinubu, upon assumption of office in 2023, directed priority attention to 2,694 inherited projects across the geopolitical zones.

Umahi made this known when he featured at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series on Friday in Abuja.

The minister added that the administration embarked on 65 new projects.

The minister, who described the President as “Guru in infrastructure development”, praised his commitment to the sector, as the administration marked two years in office

“I continue to maintain that the road and the bridge sector is the major sector that grows the economy and the GDP of any nation.

“So, I commend Mr President very highly for his commitment to infrastructure. That is a man with great courage,” he said

Umahi listed all the completed and ongoing projects across the six geopolitical zones. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Lawmaker advises PWDs to utilise skills acquisition centre for self esteem

Lawmaker advises PWDs to utilise skills acquisition centre for self esteem

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By Blessing Ibegbu

Rep. Jonathan Gaza (SDP-Nasarawa) has urged Persons with Disability (PWDs) to take advantage of the skills acquisition centre constructed by him to boost their self-esteem and achieve economic independence.

Gaza, representing Karu, Keffi and Kokona Federal Constituency, gave the advice at the handing-over ceremony of the skills acquisition centre in Karu, Nasarawa State on Thursday.

He noted that the centre was established for their learning and to the betterment of the society at large.

Represented by Mr Hassan Bukhar, his Legislative Aide, the lawmaker said that the establishment of the centre would help the PWDs to actualise their desired dreams.

He emphasised that the centre would provide opportunities for PWDs to acquire valuable skills that would help them become more self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the society.

“I recognise the challenges faced by PWDs, both physically and mentally among other reasons, and that informed my decision to establish the centre.

“The centre will offer effective skills acquisition such as training for bead making, tailoring, craft, hair dressing, culinary arts, and carpentry among others.

“We will ensure effective curriculum, and experts will be involved in the training of PWDs, so that our aim will be achieved and the desires of the disabled met.

“This is to ensure that PWDs are encouraged and carried along in the society,” he said.

Saleh Keana, Executive Chairman, Disability Rights’ Commission, thanked the lawmaker for the gesture and remarkable achievement of the handover of the beautiful structure of the skill acquisition centre.

“May God continue to bless, enrich and give you more wisdom to effectively carry out your assignments in every aspect of life,’’ he said.

He also thanked the executive governor of the state, Abdullahi Sule, for enhancing the lives of the physically challenged.

“The centre will be equipped by the government to provide conducive learning environment that will facilitate quick skill acquisition for their development,” he said.

Mr Hudu Baba, State Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JNAPWD), appreciated Gaza for the initiative aimed at encouraging the physically challenged to fit into the society.

“The centre is first in the history of Karu and we are fully supporting it because it is a welcome development.

“Thanks to the lawmaker and his team for their hard work, cooperation and commitment, and we promise to support the project at any time.”

Mr David Maiyaki, Senior Special Adviser to Nasarawa State Governor on Assembly Matters, said it was imperative for PWDs to be recognised and given priority in the society.

Maiyaki appreciated Gaza for giving hope to PWDs and for being a champion of PWDs.

He commended the Nasarawa Governor for appointing one of the PWDs in his cabinet. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

FG pledges youth-centered policies to end irregular migration

FG pledges youth-centered policies to end irregular migration

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By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Government has pledged to implement   sustained youth-centered policies to end irregular migration and its attendant dangers.

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction made the pledge at the closing of the  first thematic meeting of the Rabat Process in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports  the Rabat Process is a key Euro-African dialogue on migration and development.

NAN also reports that Nigeria, the incumbent chairman of the Rabat Process hosted its thematic.meeting themed, Youth, Education and Innovation – Driving the Future of Migration, with over 100 delegates from 57 partner countries in attendance.

Yilwatda assured that the government would prioritise skills, mobility, and dignity, advancing innovation in migration governance, to nip irregular migration in the bud.

He described the exploration of youth innovation and education as drivers of sustainable migration systems.

The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to lead the Rabat process with empathy, data, and integrity, emphasising the need for effective partnerships to achieve the desired migration governance.

“The meeting has addressed the influence of conflict, climate change, and economic disparity on migration, emphasising the need for a more just and humane future for migration in Europe and Africa.

“In the meeting I acknowledged the hard truths about migration, including the global narrative that casts migration in the language of fear and the limited opportunities for young people,” he added.

He said that migration should be seen as legal, dignified, and voluntary, with skills shared and youths running towards purpose, rather than from lack.

While appreciating the Kingdom of Spain for its support and partnership, the minister urged the development partners and the private sector to support skills programmes that link education with employability, especially in fragile and climate-affected regions.

He, therefore, called for shared frameworks that recognised qualifications, return talents, and open safe pathways for migration.

According to the minister, migration should be seen as the expression of choice, ability, and vision, not the consequence of despair.

Yilwatda said there was a need to give youths more than sympathy as they need structures and access.

Speaking in the same vein, Pilar Jimenez, Ambassador-at-Large- for Migration Affairs of Spain, promised to keep exploring ways to make more sustainable youths’ participation in the Rabat process.

Jimenez noted that there was a need to move from inclusion to the co-creation of a space of dialogue in migration governance.

“The representatives of the Nigerian youth said that they are a part of a solution. I think that youths are the solution.

“Youth is the driver of the future, and the future just started here in Abuja within the Rabat process,” she added.(NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Agency reiterates commitment to support entrepreneurs to boost their businesses

Agency reiterates commitment to support entrepreneurs to boost their businesses

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By Vivian Emoni

The Abuja Enterprises Agency (AEA) has reiterated its commitment to support entrepreneurs to promote business growth, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Dr Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, the Acting Managing Director, of the agency said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja.

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe said that the agency would continue to collaborate with various partners, both locally and internationally to facilitate access to new markets and promote investment opportunities in the city

“The agency is committed to fostering business growth in the FCT by providing support to entrepreneurs, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“We will continue to provide innovative solutions and support services to businesses of all sizes, focusing on promoting sustainable economic growth and creating opportunities for all,’’ he said.

The AEA boss said that the agency’s programmes were in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He added that the infrastructure revolution by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, were the prime reasons for the growth of the MSMEs and attraction of investment into the FCT.

The acting manging director noted that the FCT Minister was offering the agency adequate support by providing the much needed enabling environment to entrepreneurs and business operators to thrive.

He disclosed that the agency had established a MSMEs One Stop Shop at the AEA Complex, which was inaugurated in 2017 programme.

According to him, the programme is to promote small scale businesses in the FCT.

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe said the MSMEs one-stop shop was a government initiative designed to facilitate interactions between MSMEs and regulatory agencies, offering a convenient platform for accessing business services and support,

“The advantage of the MSMEs one-stop shop is that it houses all the relevant regulatory agencies of our government that have one thing or the other to do with the running of small and medium-scale enterprises.

“The idea is to get them to understand the need not only to do registration, but pay taxes, be regulated and to standardise their products and services,’’ he said.

To this end, Ugwuada-Ezirigwe said that the agency was working on the forth-coming 2025 Abuja Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Expo, adding that the aim was to provide market access and attract more investors to the country.

He explained that the SMEs Expo was designed by the agency to provide a platform and an opportunity for businesses operating in the FCT and other states to showcase their products.

He said that the Expo would also create the much needed awareness, market opportunities for networking with other players, not just in the SMEs sector but the industry at large.

According to him, since the first edition of the Expo in 2016, an Impact Assessment Report of the agency released in 2023 showed that 1,127 exhibitors accessed more than 5,000 market opportunities.

“More than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs with a total of N567 million worth of deals were created and facilitated too.

“This year’s event aims to provide a platform for SMEs to exhibit their products and services, network with industry leaders, and access business advice and opportunities.

“It is an exhibition of products and services. The services here are not restricted only to Abuja. The operators are also outside the FCT,” he said.

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe disclosed that the 2025 event scheduled to hold between May 30 and June 1, at the Jabi Lake Park was the 5th edition.

“It is a three-day programme featuring exhibitions, business matching, workshops, industry days and a talent exhibition.

“It will also provide opportunities for business operators within and outside the FCT and attract more investors into Nigeria at large, in other words, making Abuja the investment capital of Africa,’’ he said.

He also said that the expo would attract some financial sectors, production and manufacturing sector as well as agro-allied businesses among others.

The AEA boss said that the agency was collaborating with other relevant agencies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

“The agency is also working with some banks to ensure that the programme is successful,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Stakeholders push for cooperatives to tackle affordable housing in Nigeria

Stakeholders push for cooperatives to tackle affordable housing in Nigeria

273 total views today

By Angela Atabo

Stakeholders have identified the cooperative society system as a viable solution for affordable housing in Nigeria.

This was highlighted at the Cooperative Housing Conference 2025 (CHC2025), with the theme “Delivering Affordable Housing through Cooperatives” and the sub-theme “Digitalisation of Cooperative Housing Finance,” in Abuja.

Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, stated that cooperatives had the potential to mobilise resources, promote entrepreneurship, and improve the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.

Abdullahi, represented by Victor Oyegoke, his Special Assistant on Cooperatives and Farmers’ Welfare, noted that the conference’s goal was to promote the large-scale delivery of decent and affordable housing to Nigerians through cooperatives.

“As we strive to deliver affordable housing through cooperatives, we must recognise the importance of creating an enabling environment that supports the growth and development of cooperatives.

“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, where the Federal Department of Cooperatives that supervises and regulates the sector is domiciled, is committed to supporting cooperative development in Nigeria.

 “We recognise the critical role that cooperatives play in promoting agricultural development and improving the livelihoods of farmers,” he said.

Abdullahi urged stakeholders to work together to develop practical solutions to advance cooperative housing development in Nigeria.

Bola Ajomale, Commissioner of Operations at the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), also spoke, emphasising that if more than 50 people pool their money into a collective scheme to generate a return, it fell under SEC’s purview.

 “We want to look at it and ensure that what they are doing is right.

“This is because we want transparency. We encourage the cooperative industry to consider joining the capital market so that people can see what you are doing.”

Ajomale also reassured investors, saying, “SEC is determined to protect investors, and we will take action against anyone running an organisation that lacks good governance or is not self-accounting.”

Akintoye Adeoye, President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, urged Nigerians to leverage cooperative societies for homeownership.

“The cooperative system offers a promising solution to Nigeria’s housing challenges, enabling individuals to work together towards achieving affordable housing.

“The cheapest solution to affordable housing, food, and everything in this country today is the cooperative system,” he stated.

Dr Saheed Adelakun, Convener of the Cooperative Housing Conference and Founder of Nigeria Integrated Social Housing (NISH) Cooperative Limited, described cooperative housing as a form of self-help.

He explained that the conference would explore how cooperatives could catalyse the large-scale delivery of affordable housing.

“The strategic objective of the conference is to utilise cooperatives as special purpose vehicles for national economic development and delivering decent and affordable housing to Nigerians.

“We should also focus on creating digital platforms for aggregating savings, loans, payments, and finance for cooperative housing in Nigeria,” Adelakun stated.

Adelakun urged Nigerians to take advantage of the cooperatives and cooperators across the country to aggregate social capital and access finance and incentives provided by federal and state governments.

“The time is now for a digitally enabled Cooperative Housing Fund (CHF) to address the needs of Nigeria’s growing population,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FCTA inaugurates lottery regulatory office, invites applications from operators

FCTA inaugurates lottery regulatory office, invites applications from operators

268 total views today

By Okon Okon/Nana Musa

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has inaugurated the FCT Lottery Regulatory Office and called on lottery and gaming operators to submit applications for licenses to operate in the territory.

Director-General of the Office, Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, disclosed this during a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

Gbajabiamila said that the establishment of the office followed a directive from the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, aimed at ensuring proper regulation and oversight of the gaming sector within the territory.

He said that the directive was in line with the recent Supreme Court judgment which affirmed that the FCT administration had the legal authority to regulate lottery and gaming activities within its jurisdiction.

He assured stakeholders of a stable regulatory environment, adding that the office is committed to clarity, continuity, and global best practices in the sector.

According to him, the initiative was designed to harness the economic potential of the gaming industry, enhance its reputation, and strengthen internally generated revenue for the FCT.

Gbajabiamila outlined key priorities of the commission, which included collaborating with the Office of the FCT Minister and FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) for effective regulatory oversight and revenue remittance.

He said that establishing a robust and transparent regulatory framework and creating an enabling environment for investment and responsible gaming, ensuring fairness, investor confidence, and regulatory excellence were also part of its priorities.

The Director-General said that all existing licenses issued by the defunct National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) remained valid for their duration and would be recognised under the new FCT regulatory framework.

“All licensed operators will now operate under the FCT Lottery Regulatory Office (FCT-LRO) without disruption,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to engage constructively with the commission during the transition period.

Gbajabiamila also invited new investors and prospective operators to apply for FCT gaming licenses, promising a transparent and investor-friendly licensing process.

He said that the move had the full backing of the FCT Minister and was expected to contribute significantly to the territory’s economic development and governance standards.

“We appeal to all stakeholders for cooperation, compliance, and support as we work towards building a sustainable and inclusive gaming industry in the FCT,” he said.

Mr Michael Ango, Acting Executive Chairman, FCT-IRS, explained that the collaboration with the FCT Lottery Commission to regulate the gaming industry was aimed at enhancing revenue generation for the territory.

Ango said the initiative, which aligned with the vision of the FCT Minister, was to position Abuja as a global capital city.

“As we are all aware, Abuja is increasingly becoming a tourist destination for people from across the world.

“One of the key attractions of cities like Abuja is leisure, and we believe that the gaming industry holds immense potential in drawing investments into the FCT,” he said.

Ango said that the initiative would bring benefits to residents by creating jobs, stimulating economic activities, and boosting internally generated revenue.

“The collaboration is ultimately for the overall benefit of the people and residents of Abuja,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

FG proffers solutions to irregular migration to Europe

FG proffers solutions to irregular migration to Europe

292 total views today

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Government on Tuesday identified three key steps to take in addressing the menace of irregular migration from Africa to Europe.

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction gave the solutions at the opening of the  first thematic meeting of the Rabat Process in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria assumed chairmanship of the Rabat Process, a key Euro-African dialogue on migration and development in January 2025 to pilot the process for the next year.

The maiden meeting themed, “Youth, Innovation and Education- Driving the Future of Migration”, has in attendance over 100 delegates from 57 partner countries.

Yilwatda, reiterated the need to address irregular migration –  movement of people across borders that does not comply with the legal frameworks- and it’s attendant danger and  effects.

In tackling the challenge, the minister said there was a need to create spaces for digital skills, ownership, and migration literacy across Africa and Europe.

“The second priority is developing a harmonised migration policy framework to ensure qualification and reduce irregular migration.

“The third priority is to establish youth innovation funds to support enterprises and returnees,” he said.

The minister sought the collaboration of partners on migration governance to co-create youth innovation hubs, harmonised migration policies, and establish youth innovation funds to reduce irregular migration.

While noting that over 80 per cent of migrations were regular, especially for Nigerians, the minister stressed on the importance of focusing on the 20 per cent of irregular migrations that needed attention.

He described migration as a strategy for peace, prosperity, and survival, not just for Nigeria but for the entire world,

According to him,  migration, when governed, can contribute to development, knowledge exchange, and cultural resilience.

He emphasised the need for education and training for better opportunities in changing the lives of many young people.

For her part, Pilar Jimenez, Ambassador -at Large- for Migration Affairs of Spain, said that Spain’s migration policies were designed with active listening to the needs and concerns of African foreigners, their governments, and societies.

She recalled that the Spanish Prime Minister launched the new Spain-Africa strategy in December 2024.

The agreement, according to her,  seeks equal partnership between Spain and Africa, and inspires the entire Europe-Africa relationship.

“The strategy includes promoting regular migration, sustainable development, and shared prosperity,” Jimenez said.

She added that Nigeria’s leadership in the Rabat process, focusing on youth education, innovation, and regular pathways to prevent irregular migration was apt.

Also speaking, Gautier Mignot, Head of European Delegation to Nigeria, said that the EU supports awareness-raising campaigns and community-based programmes to inform young Nigerians about the risks of irregular migration.

“The EU promotes a comprehensive approach to migration, working with partner countries like Nigeria.

“Also EU is committed to supporting Nigeria in migration management and legal migration processes,” Mignot said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was organised  through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons under its Chairmanship of the Rabat Process. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

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