By Joel Ajayi
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to unlocking the potential of Nigerian youth and driving a better future through education, innovation, and empowerment—particularly for women.
Speaking at the end of a two-day extensive dialogue involving over 100 delegates from 57 member countries in Abuja, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration to address the root causes of irregular migration and to build a future driven by youth empowerment through innovation and education.
The meeting marked the first thematic session of the Rabat Process under Nigeria and Spain’s joint chairmanship, a key Euro-African platform for dialogue on migration and development. Nigeria assumed the chairmanship in January 2025 and will pilot the process throughout the year. The theme of the meeting was: “Youth, Innovation, and Education – Driving the Future of Migration.”
According to Prof. Yilwatda, “We have collectively explored how youth, innovation, and education are not just policy themes but the very engines driving a sustainable migration system.
“We also confronted some hard truths: that migration is increasingly shaped by conflict, climate change, and economic disparities. While over 80% of migration remains regular, the global narrative often casts it in the language of fear. Many young people today feel their only path to opportunity lies elsewhere. But here in Abuja, we imagined a different story.
“A story where migration is safe, legal, dignified, and voluntary. A story where skills are shared—not lost—and where our youth are not fleeing from hardship, but moving toward purpose.”
He stressed the government’s dedication to promoting youth-centered policies that prioritize skills, mobility, and dignity, while also advancing innovation in migration governance, especially in areas like skill recognition. He called for deeper partnerships within the Rabat Process network—from North and West Africa to Europe.
“We cannot do it alone. The future we seek demands bold partnerships,” the Minister said. “To our European partners, we invite you to invest more in mobility pathways and joint innovations that empower rather than exclude. To development partners and the private sector, we urge support for skill-building programs that connect education with employment—especially in fragile and climate-affected regions. And to our African neighbors, let us build shared frameworks that recognize qualifications, retain talent, and create positive migration pathways. Migration should never be born out of despair.”
He concluded with a powerful message: “Let us shift from talk to action, from policy to practice. Let us show the world that migration, at its best, is a celebration of what we can build together—not a fear of the unknown.”
Also speaking at the event, Pilar Jimenez, Co-Chair of the Rabat Process and representative of Spain’s Migration Affairs, highlighted that youth are central to the future and must be invested in accordingly.
“Over these two days, we have exchanged ideas on how to unlock the power of youth through education and innovation. We’ve emphasized the untapped African talent that must be harnessed,” she said.
Jimenez noted the significance of youth participation in this year’s session and called for the co-creation of more inclusive spaces for dialogue. “This meeting in Abuja has demonstrated that, nearly 20 years on, the Rabat Process is more relevant and necessary than ever—especially with the first direct involvement of youth in the process. We will continue to find sustainable ways to include young voices.”
A Nigerian youth delegate underscored their role in shaping the future: “We are not just part of the solution—we are the solution. We are the drivers of the future, and that future begins now.”