Johannesburg, July 4th – The New South Institute (NSI) is pleased to announce the recent publication of an op-ed by Victor Amadi, a research fellow at NSI and a member of the Migration Governance Reform (MIGRA) program, on The Conversation Africa. Amadi’s insightful piece, titled “Nigeria’s Migration Policy: Lots of Laws but No Coherence and Poor Implementation,” provides a critical analysis of Nigeria’s complex migration governance landscape.

Amadi’s article underscores the significant challenges faced by Nigeria in implementing its migration policies. Despite having comprehensive laws designed to manage both emigration and immigration, Nigeria struggles with coherence and effective execution. The op-ed highlights key issues such as resource constraints, institutional weaknesses, lack of coordination among stakeholders, and corruption, which collectively hinder the country’s ability to manage migration effectively.

The Conversation Africa, an independent online publication that specializes in delivering high-quality news and research from the academic and research community to the public, serves as an excellent platform for disseminating Amadi’s findings to a broader audience. This aligns with the NSI’s mission to promote informed discussions on migration governance through rigorous research and analysis.

Amadi’s contribution is part of a broader effort by the MIGRA program to examine migration governance issues across Africa. His recent report, “An Analysis of Migration Governance Frameworks in Nigeria,” is the latest addition to this series. The report delves into the interplay between regional and national migration policies, emphasizing Nigeria’s pivotal role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The study reveals both progress and gaps in Nigeria’s migration frameworks. While legal and institutional policies aim to facilitate migration and address associated security and economic challenges, the report points out the need for coordinated efforts and robust governance to improve migration management. One notable example of policy inconsistency discussed in the op-ed is the Expatriate Employment Levy, which was introduced and then swiftly suspended due to backlash, illustrating the reactive nature of Nigeria’s migration governance.

The report further explores Nigeria’s internal migration challenges, driven by socio-economic disparities, political instability, and conflicts, particularly in the north-east. It highlights the significant number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the “japa” syndrome, where skilled and semi-skilled Nigerians seek better opportunities abroad, contributing to a substantial diaspora.

In conclusion, Amadi advocates for a more proactive approach to migration governance in Nigeria. He calls for seamless coordination among government agencies, the private sector, and civil society, along with adequate funding, specialized training for immigration officers, robust data systems, and socio-economic reforms to address underlying issues. By honoring ECOWAS commitments and collaborating with regional partners, Nigeria can enhance regional stability and integration.