Policymakers and migration experts from across Africa and Europe convened in Abuja this week to advance strategies aimed at curbing irregular migration from Africa, with a particular focus on youth empowerment and skill development.
Held under the auspices of the Rabat Process—an established Euro-African dialogue on migration and development—the two-day conference brought together representatives from government ministries, international organizations, and diplomatic missions. The event, themed “Youth, Education and Innovation: Driving the Future of Migration,” was facilitated by Nigeria’s National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), African youths under the age of 30 make up a significant proportion of those migrating to Europe annually. Many are driven by the search for better economic opportunities, access to education, and improved living conditions.
Acknowledging this trend, participants at the summit discussed how to harness the potential of Africa’s youth population as contributors to positive migration outcomes in both origin and destination countries.
The Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, described the Rabat Process as a “key framework” for structured dialogue on migration between the continents. He noted that the EU is already developing visa strategies and skills-based policies to support youth empowerment through technological innovation. “We are focused on creating pathways that empower young people in Nigeria and across Africa,” Mignot said.
Co-chairing the meeting, Spain’s Ambassador for Migratory Affairs, Pilar Méndez Jiménez, emphasized her country’s close ties with Africa and confirmed ongoing collaboration with the Nigerian government to review and improve migration policies.
Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, highlighted that over 60 percent of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 25. He noted that the current administration is implementing youth-focused initiatives such as the N-Power program and vocational training across the country’s six geopolitical zones to combat unemployment and reduce irregular migration.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, described Nigerian youths as “immensely talented” and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and improving their living standards.
Other participants included representatives from the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the National Intelligence Agency.
The Rabat Process continues to serve as a critical platform for joint African-European efforts in managing migration through cooperation, policy development, and youth-centered innovation.