The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Turkish government have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on migration management, with a focus on the voluntary return and reintegration of undocumented Nigerians residing in Türkiye.
The renewed partnership was discussed during a courtesy visit by a delegation from Türkiye’s Presidency of Migration Management to NiDCOM headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
The delegation was led by Hünkar Burkan İbin, Head of the Deportation Department for Removal Affairs.
During the meeting, both parties explored ways to enhance collaboration and advance efforts toward formalising migration cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding being developed with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Members of the Turkish delegation disclosed that consultations were ongoing with key Nigerian institutions, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the CLEEN Foundation and the Nigeria Immigration Service, ahead of the proposed agreement.
İbin explained that undocumented migrants apprehended in Türkiye are usually taken to holding centres while Nigerian authorities are contacted to facilitate their return. However, he stressed that voluntary return remains the preferred option under Türkiye’s National Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Mechanism.
According to him, migrants who choose to return voluntarily are assigned counsellors who assess and coordinate the support they require, including financial and other forms of assistance.
He noted that the programme covers a broad category of migrants, including those facing deportation, individuals under administrative detention, victims of human trafficking and applicants for international protection.
On legal migration, İbin revealed that about 2,600 Nigerians are among the estimated 350,000 international students currently studying in Türkiye.
He said efforts would be made to expand legal migration opportunities and increase work permit approvals, while emphasising the need to address irregular migration.
He also acknowledged reports linking some Nigerians in Türkiye to criminal activities but maintained that such cases represented only a small fraction of the Nigerian population in the country.
The Turkish delegation said its engagement with Nigerian authorities was aimed at promoting orderly migration and creating legal pathways for migration, while supporting migrants willing to return home and reintegrate into society.
Speaking during the meeting, NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, welcomed the delegation and pledged the Commission’s support for the initiative.
She said NiDCOM would intensify awareness campaigns to ensure undocumented Nigerians in Türkiye are informed about the voluntary return programme and encouraged to take advantage of it.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Türkiye, noting that the first bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on diaspora matters signed by Nigeria with another country was with Türkiye.
“NiDCOM will serve as one of the bridges to ensure that what is promised to Nigerians by the Turkish government is fulfilled,” she said.
She further urged undocumented Nigerians in Türkiye to embrace the programme once operational, assuring them that the Commission would work closely with Turkish authorities to ensure beneficiaries receive all reintegration support and assistance promised under the initiative.
