The two-day Joint Thematic Meeting on the Khartoum, Rabat, and Niamey Processes, held in Lagos from November 4–5, 2025, marked a significant collaborative effort between the Nigerian government, the European Union (EU), and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).
The conference focused on enhancing frameworks for prevention, protection, and prosecution in the fight against migrant smuggling and human trafficking across African and European migration routes.
Key Objectives of the Meeting
1. Reinforce Coordinated Responses
Strengthen collaboration among participating countries to effectively address the challenges of migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
2. Improve Prevention
Develop and enhance strategies aimed at preventing human trafficking and migrant smuggling before they occur.
3. Protect Victims
Emphasize the establishment of effective protection and support systems for victims of trafficking and smuggling.
4. Prosecute Offenders
Improve legal frameworks to ensure traffickers and smugglers are held accountable for their crimes.
High-Level Attendance
The conference brought together key national and international stakeholders, including:
H.E. Dr. Engr. Kingsley Okwara – Director-General, Institute of Economic, Social and Cultural Affairs
Kemi Nanna Nandap – Comptroller General, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS)
Hon. Tijiani Aliyu – Federal Commissioner/CEO, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI)
Abike Dabiri-Erewa – Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM)
Representatives from the European Union, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the ICMPD.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting
1. Strengthened Partnerships
Reinforced cooperation among nations and organizations to jointly combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
2. Improved Strategies
Shared best practices and innovative approaches to enhance prevention, protection, and prosecution frameworks.
3. New Initiatives
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) announced the introduction of the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) to replace the Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC), simplifying travel for Nigerians abroad.
The meeting served as a vital platform for stakeholders to exchange experiences, address challenges, and explore innovative solutions to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
It concluded with a unified call for sustained collaboration and action to safeguard migrants’ rights and strengthen international efforts against these transnational crimes.
