Edo Seeks Stronger EU Collaboration To Combat Human Trafficking, Unsafe Migration
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on the European Union (EU) and other international partners to support efforts to tackle irregular migration, human trafficking and the challenges confronting Nigerians returning from abroad.
Okpebholo made the appeal while receiving an EU delegation on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting residents from the dangers of unsafe migration.
The governor said his administration was addressing the factors driving migration by engaging relevant stakeholders and creating better opportunities for residents within the state.
He identified the Edo State Migration Agency and the Edo State Diaspora Agency as key institutions established to coordinate the state’s migration management and diaspora engagement efforts.
Okpebholo also expressed concern over the difficulties Nigerians face abroad, urging returnees to consider rebuilding their lives at home and contributing to national development.
However, he acknowledged that the government could not tackle the challenges alone, stressing the need for stronger international collaboration.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, commended the governor’s efforts in migration management and the fight against human trafficking, noting that other states had expressed interest in learning from Edo State’s approach.
Similarly, the Director-General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, Dr. Loretta Ogboro-Okor, called for stronger measures to discourage irregular migration and promote safe labour migration.
The EU delegation, led by European Union Liaison Officer Franklin Nguendia, said the visit was aimed at understanding migration challenges in Edo State, identifying existing gaps and exploring opportunities for stronger cooperation with the state government.
