Director General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Silas Agara, has expressed the Directorate’s readiness to extend psychological support to Nigerian migrants who are in Europe searching for greener pastures.
He mentioned that arrangements have been made to nurture these individuals with specialized skills, enabling them to thrive in the evolving and competitive global market. This initiative aims to empower migrants who wish to return home, ensuring they are equipped with the tools needed for success upon their return.
Agara disclosed this during a meeting with representatives from three social impact and international trade centers, known as IRARA, at the NDE headquarters in Abuja.
The IRARA, a social impact and international trade center based in Germany, is currently working on a project called ARRIVES, which aims to provide humanitarian assistance for internally displaced people and support returning migrants by equipping them with digital skills that would facilitate their reintegration into society and enable them to reconnect with their families.
The ARRIVES project emphasizes the importance of providing vocational training for a period of 12 months, which will stabilize these individuals and prepare them for the job market.
Chioma Eze, project coordinator for ARRIVES in Nigeria, informed Mr. Agara of their mission and the organization’s commitment to partner with the NDE. She highlighted their focus on migrants who have either been victims of human trafficking or have immigrated to Germany in search of better opportunities.
Their goal is to ensure a well-structured plan for the return of these individuals, coupled with mentorship and business capital to enable them to start their own ventures.
Agara expressed his delight in their mission statement, describing the visit as essential and reflective of the NDE’s mandate to empower the youth with vocational and technical skills. He emphasized that such initiatives are crucial in mitigating the exodus of Nigerians seeking migration to Europe.
Moreover, he called for a targeted approach towards incorporating women into these training programs, recognizing their unique potential as entrepreneurs.
He specifically pointed to the agricultural value chain, stressing the myriad benefits agriculture offers, which are immeasurable.
As Agara stated, “Their population will be good for them to market.” By focusing on this sector, he believes that returning migrants can not only achieve personal success but also contribute to the broader economic development of Nigeria.
