IOM, NUJ Strengthen Collaboration On Migration Reporting

IOM and NUJ have strengthened collaboration on migration reporting.

NewsRain Nigeria reports that the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration aimed at improving migration reporting and raising public awareness on the dangers of irregular migration in Nigeria.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by an IOM delegation to the leadership of the NUJ at the Lagos State Council Secretariat in Ikeja.

The IOM Chief Media and Communication Officer, Rajat Madhok, who led the delegation, said the organisation was seeking to build on its existing relationship with the NUJ by developing a more strategic and result-oriented collaboration.

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He noted that IOM had previously partnered with the union on capacity development for journalists covering migration issues but stressed the need to expand the scope of the relationship.

According to him, the partnership would focus on documenting compelling migration stories, highlighting the positive contributions of migration, while also educating Nigerians on the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of following safe and legal migration pathways.

“We want to take our relationship one step further. Together, we can tell Nigeria’s migration story more credibly, showcase positive stories of successful migration, and use the media to educate the public on the risks associated with irregular migration so they can make informed decisions,” he said.

The IOM official described the NUJ as a critical stakeholder, noting that its nationwide network of journalists provides an effective platform for promoting balanced and accurate reporting on migration.

Reacting, NUJ National Deputy President, Mrs. Abimbola Oyetunde, welcomed the initiative, describing capacity building as one of the most important areas of collaboration between both organisations.

She observed that many journalists still lacked adequate knowledge of migration issues, making continuous training necessary to ensure balanced and informed reporting.

Oyetunde, who has participated in several international migration reporting programmes, including the development of a charter on migration reporting, said training and retraining journalists would help improve public understanding of both the opportunities and challenges associated with migration.

She also highlighted the economic benefits of legal migration, particularly through diaspora investments, while warning against the growing dangers of irregular migration, which has claimed many lives.

She urged IOM to sustain media engagements through interviews, newsroom interactions and regular training sessions to ensure journalists are better equipped to report migration issues accurately.

The Chairman of the NUJ Lagos State Council, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, commended IOM for its efforts in promoting safe migration and called for more capacity-building programmes for journalists.

Ajayi also proposed the establishment of a Migration Reporting Centre of Excellence within the NUJ to promote continuous professional development and improve the quality of migration reporting across the country.

He expressed optimism that a stronger collaboration between IOM and the NUJ would enhance public awareness, encourage responsible migration practices and contribute to national development.