By Bode Akinbode, Ibadan
The Oyo State Government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to crack down on human trafficking and irregular migration, reaffirming its commitment to addressing the growing challenges associated with unsafe migration and exploitation.
The initiative, which combines enforcement with prevention and reintegration strategies, was announced on Wednesday during a three-day capacity-building workshop for members of the Case Management Expert Team (CMET) under the Oyo State Reintegration Committee.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Migration and Homeland Security, Segun Adegoke, said the state was adopting a structured and sustainable approach to migration-related challenges. He stressed that the plan goes beyond enforcement to include protection of vulnerable persons and proper reintegration of returnees.
“This initiative reflects a broader, more coordinated approach by the state government to address the complexities of migration. Our focus is not limited to enforcement; we are equally committed to prevention, protection and the proper reintegration of affected individuals,” Adegoke said.
The workshop, organised in partnership with the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), aims to equip frontline case handlers with practical expertise in ethical engagement, referral systems, safeguarding, data protection and reintegration support for returned migrants.
Human trafficking and irregular migration remain persistent challenges in Nigeria, where many young people embark on risky journeys through North Africa and across the Mediterranean in search of better opportunities. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), migrants on such routes often face exploitation, forced labour and abuse, highlighting the need for coordinated and preventive interventions.
Adegoke noted that the Oyo State Reintegration Committee, established in July 2025, serves as a coordinating platform bringing together government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners involved in migration management.
“The committee ensures that returnees receive adequate support and are not left without assistance. It brings together key actors to deliver a coordinated and effective response to migration challenges,” he added.
Reaffirming the administration’s position, he emphasised the importance of promoting safe, orderly and lawful migration pathways, particularly among young people, while discouraging illegal routes that expose them to exploitation and harm.
“Governor Seyi Makinde remains deeply committed to ensuring that our youths pursue safe, regular and orderly migration. We must actively discourage dangerous and illegal routes,” he said.
Also speaking, the South-West Zonal Coordinator of the NCFRMI, Alex Oturu, described the establishment of the Reintegration Committee as a strategic move to strengthen institutional support for returnees.
He said the initiative would improve protection mechanisms and ensure structured assistance for migrants returning home, while addressing the wider challenges of irregular migration, human trafficking and modern slavery.
Oturu added that the committee’s multi-stakeholder composition reflects a collaborative approach, bringing together public institutions and non-governmental organisations to combat trafficking networks and facilitate successful reintegration.