The International Organization for Migration (IOM), with support from the German Missions, has inaugurated the Youth Advisory Board on Migration (YABM) in Nigeria to strengthen youth participation in shaping policies on migration, reintegration, extremism, and trafficking.
Speaking at the launch, IOM Nigeria Chief, Ms. Paola Pace, urged board members to “speak boldly, act responsibly, and inspire others,” stressing that youth inclusion is key to driving transformational change. She reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to supporting youth-led migration initiatives and called on stakeholders to back the platform.
Representing the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Muhammed Abdullahi emphasized that safe and legal migration fosters national development through remittances, skills, and knowledge exchange. He pledged government support for empowering young Nigerians to thrive both at home and abroad.
Ms. Sandra Vermuijten-Alonge, Head of Programme at GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, encouraged the board to transform ideas into practical solutions.
The YABM will serve as a structured platform for young people to engage in dialogue, advocacy, program design, and community outreach in Nigeria’s migration governance.
