The Oyo State government has launched a comprehensive support system to reintegrate migrant returnees, including survivors of human trafficking. Governor Seyi Makinde unveiled the plan during the 'Stronger Futures: Survivor-Centred Reintegration and Cross-Border Policy Dialogues' at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan.
The support system aims to restore dignity to returnees, create sustainable livelihoods, and address the socio-economic factors driving irregular migration and human trafficking. Makinde, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Migration and Homeland Security, ACG Segun Adegoke (retd.), emphasized that the initiative is a key step towards combating human trafficking.
The Oyo State government will collaborate with federal institutions, international partners, relevant stakeholders, and local communities to build a reintegration system that promotes sustainable development. The Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Project (YERP) will empower 700 rural and returning youths by promoting climate-smart agriculture, skills development, access to land, and sustainable livelihoods.
Makinde explained that the intervention is designed to tackle youth unemployment, which is one of the major drivers of irregular migration. The project will allocate 10,000 hectares of farmland to young farmers across the state, through the Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture. He noted that the psychosocial support and economic opportunities will reduce the desperation fuelling unsafe migration and protect survivors from re-trafficking.
The true measure of migration governance lies not only in securing borders but in restoring hope, dignity, and opportunities for returnees, especially survivors of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, Makinde said. He added that his administration has continued to implement awareness, prevention, and reintegration initiatives in line with the reviewed National Migration Policy 2025 and the United Nations Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
The Oyo State Reintegration Committee and other critical stakeholders will be strengthened as part of Nigeria's migration governance architecture. The committee will provide coordinated support for returnees, including temporary shelter, socio-economic reintegration, skills acquisition, psychosocial care, empowerment, and legal assistance.
Resident doctors in Oyo State have been on strike since June 21st over unpaid wages, with some demanding 100% payment. The government had initially approved 40% payment but has since increased it to 50%. However, the doctors remain on strike until their demands are met.
The Oyo State government has not officially commented on the ongoing strike but sources close to the administration indicated that talks between the two parties are ongoing to resolve the dispute. The governor has also urged residents to pursue legitimate channels for employment abroad rather than exposing themselves to the dangers of irregular migration across the desert.
A senior lecturer at the University of Amsterdam, Dr. Sarah Adeyinka, commended the Oyo State government for its sustained efforts to combat human trafficking. She urged parents, guardians, and individuals to closely monitor their children and wards and discourage them from embarking on unauthorised travel or falling victim to fraudulent overseas job offers.