Report by Daniel Atori
As part of efforts to ensure social and economic inclusion of returnees, stakeholders in Niger state have called for the Establishment of a Reintegration Committee (RC) that will aid the reintegration of trafficked children and irregular migrators back into the society.
Speaking at the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) and Child Protection Network (CPN), the State Coordinator, NACTAL, Kalejaiye Olasunkanmi said the successful establishment of the Committee will enhance the state’s capacity to coordinate reintegration services, mobilize resources, and create opportunities for the social and economic inclusion of returnees.
While speaking during his paper presentation titled: Migration Governance in Nigeria, Kalejaiye stressed the need for collective action and stakeholder’s ownership of the RC process.
According to him “the establishment of a Reintegration Committee will provide a sustainable platform for supporting returning migrants, vulnerable youths, and other at-risk populations.
“The Committee, if established will focus on the task ahead and I want us to work collectively for the benefit of humanity and the well-being of returning migrants”.
In her address, Wife of the state Governor, Hajia Fatima Umaru Bago called on parents to monitor the activities of their children.
Represented by Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed the first lady said the state will soon embark on a door to door check to expose people using underage for domestic labour.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta assured that the state will develop interventions that will empower youths and reduce irregular migration.
Also, during a goodwill message, the State Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. Alhassan assures of the federal government’s commitment to supporting the State in establishing the Reintegration Committee.
He explained that the Ministry, through its Labour Migration Unit, operates Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs) which educates, orients and guides prospective migrants on safe and regular migration pathways.
“With the RC, we can receive returning migrants, equip them with relevant skills, and facilitate their reintegration into society”.
He further recommended that the State Reintegration Committee be inclusive of various groups, adding that the federal government will support the establishment of the Reintegration Committee.
According to him “we encourage the State to learn from existing Reintegration Committees in other states to accelerate the establishment and effective operation of its Reintegration Committee.
“We will strengthen mechanisms to ensure that returning migrants are adequately supported and successfully reintegrated into society”.
Present at the event include: the Deputy Speaker, State House of Assembly, Mrs. Afiniki Eunice Dauda, Permanent Secretaries; representatives of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), FIDA, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Emir of Minna, NAPTIP, Nigeria Police Force, the Director General, Child Rights Agency.
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