Doro, EU Push Stronger Partnership on Poverty Reduction, Skills Development, Safe Migration
Oru LeonardÂ
The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration with the European Union (EU) to tackle poverty, unemployment, insecurity and other socio-economic challenges driving irregular migration among Nigerians.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, made the call when he received a delegation of the European Union, led by its Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, during a courtesy visit to his office.
Doro emphasised that addressing irregular migration requires more than border controls and migration management, stressing the need to tackle the underlying economic and social conditions compelling people to leave their communities in search of better opportunities.
According to him, migration should be a voluntary choice backed by legitimate opportunities rather than a desperate escape from poverty, insecurity and unemployment.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to poverty alleviation, youth empowerment and human capital development, highlighting the importance of equipping Nigerians with relevant digital, technical and vocational skills to enhance their employability both locally and internationally.
He urged the EU to increase its investment in skills acquisition and structured labour mobility programmes that would create legal employment opportunities for Nigerians abroad while addressing workforce demands in destination countries.
On humanitarian concerns, Doro acknowledged the European Union’s contributions towards supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly in Nigeria’s North-West, but called for increased attention to emerging humanitarian situations in the North-Central region.
He specifically identified Benue State as an area requiring greater humanitarian intervention, given the significant number of internally displaced persons residing there.
The Minister maintained that stronger institutional partnerships, targeted humanitarian interventions and sustained international support were critical to addressing displacement, reducing poverty and creating an enabling environment for safe and mutually beneficial migration.
In his response, the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening its comprehensive partnership with Nigeria.
Brunner identified migration management, security, trade and the reintegration of returning migrants as priority areas for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
He also described the proposed signing of a readmission agreement with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an important milestone in advancing engagement between both parties.
The EU Commissioner further highlighted ongoing joint efforts to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, facilitate the reintegration of returning migrants and explore additional areas of cooperation.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubumi Olusanya, welcomed the European delegation on behalf of the Minister and staff of the Ministry.
Olusanya expressed optimism that the engagement would provide an opportunity for constructive dialogue and strengthen existing relations between Nigeria and the European Union, particularly in addressing migration-related challenges.
The meeting was attended by directors of the Ministry, officials of the European Union and the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Gauntier Mignot.
Cover Photo Caption, Middle right: Honourable minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M Doro, The European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and migration, His Excellency, Magnus Brunner and his official to the left of the honourable minister, while to the right of Mr Brunner is the Permanent Secretary, Mr Olubunmi Olusanya when the delegation visited the honourable minister in his office today 10-11-2026.
