Migration: Data, Climate, Human Rights Protection Top List of 2025-2026 Rabat Process

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The improvement of migration data management, protection of human rights dignity as well as climate-induced mobility have topped the agenda of the 2025-2026 Rabat Process on migration.

This is as Nigeria has officially assumed chairmanship of the key Euro-African dialogue on migration and development which has brought together 57 partner countries, the European Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and several international organizations.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, other areas of focus will include combating human trafficking and reimagining reintegration amongst others.

The statement noted the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who formally received the articles of chairmanship from the Portuguese Deputy Minister for the Presidency, Dr. Rui Freitas, will underscore Nigeria’s growing influence in international migration governance.

It also states that as chairman, Nigeria will drive the strategic direction of the Rabat Process by ensuring that migration policies and frameworks reflect the realities and priorities of both African and European partner countries. 

It added that by shaping the agenda of the Rabat Process, Nigeria is positioned to foster international cooperation in addressing key migration challenges, advocating fair migration policies, and promoting development-oriented migration strategies.

The statement read in part: “Other areas of consideration will be improving migration data management towards enhancing data collection, analysis, and utilization to inform evidence-based migration policies.

“Promoting human rights and dignity by ensuring the protection and well-being of migrants and individuals in need of international protection and climate-induced mobility in addressing the challenges posed by climate change on migration patterns. 

“Combating human trafficking in terms of strengthening efforts to prevent, identify, and combat human trafficking across migration routes and reimagining reintegration for returning migrants through the production of a knowledge product that will stand as one of the hallmarks of Nigeria’s chairmanship.”

Meanwhile, the position also provides Nigeria with enhanced diplomatic leverage, thereby facilitating stronger bilateral and multilateral engagements on migration agreements, skills and knowledge exchange, as well as sustainable migration solutions.

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