Vice President Kashim Shettima has applauded what he described as the invaluable contributions of Nigerian immigrants to the global economy, saying Nigeria accounts for the highest of all diaspora remittances in West Africa. Apart from diaspora remittances, he said Nigerian migrants have become global ambassadors who excel in technology, medicine, sports, creative arts, and other human endeavors.

The Vice President spoke during the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue with the theme, “Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting Their Rights,” at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He said, "Migration is not just a crossover from one geography to another. It is a critical driver of global and national development.

He said in 2022 alone, Nigeria accounted for $21.9 billion in diaspora remittances, representing 64% of all remittances in West Africa-a testament to the invaluable economic contributions of Nigerian migrants. Senator Shettima observed that while the Annual National Migration Dialogue coincides with the commemoration of International Migrants Day, the theme of the dialogue sparks solemn "reflection on the dual essence of migration—its remarkable contributions to society and the enduring need to safeguard the rights of those who undertake these journeys."

Noting that Nigeria is both a country of origin and a destination for migrants, with over 1.3 million international migrants living within, he however cautioned against the constant challenges of irregular migration, even as he regretted that the nation returned about 10,000 of its citizens detained for sundry migration offences in 2024 alone. Nevertheless, VP Shettima assured that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to tackling the challenges of migration, a resolve he said the President reaffirmed at this year's United Nations General Assembly.

The VP further listed innovations aimed at addressing migration challenges to include "introduction of electronic gates at major airports to revolutionize the traveller experience and ensure faster, more secure clearance," as well as "the rollout of e-passports, designed with advanced security features, facilitates seamless international travel while enhancing the integrity of Nigeria’s travel documents.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Ahmed, said the dialogue has provided an invaluable space to reflect on the migration conversation, progress and formulating policies to address their challenges. He noted that this year’s theme aligns with the global theme of celebrating International Migrants' Day, honouring the contributions of migrants and accepting their rights.

Also, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the Nigerian diaspora represents the very best of the world- hard-working, brilliant, intelligent and developing world economies.

On his part, Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan, in a keynote address, noted that migrants, by whatever classification, are human beings entitled to fundamental human rights