Doro, EU Commissioner Brunner Seek Stronger Partnership on Poverty, Safe Migration
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, has called for stronger Nigeria-European Union (EU) cooperation on poverty reduction, skills development and safe migration, stressing the need to address the economic and social challenges driving irregular migration.
Doro made the call when he received a delegation of the EU led by its Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, during a courtesy visit to his office, according to a press release issued on November 10, 2026, by Akpofure Ogheneochuko, ACIO, on behalf of the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations.
The Minister said cooperation between Nigeria and the EU must extend beyond migration management to tackle poverty, unemployment, insecurity and humanitarian challenges that compel people to leave their communities in search of better opportunities.
He maintained that “migration should be a matter of choice,” supported by access to legitimate opportunities, rather than a desperate response to poverty, insecurity or lack of prospects.
Doro reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to poverty reduction, youth empowerment and human capital development, highlighting the importance of equipping Nigerians with relevant digital, technical and vocational skills to access employment opportunities both locally and internationally.
He called for increased investment in skills development and structured labour mobility programmes that would create legal pathways for Nigerians seeking employment abroad while meeting labour demands in destination countries.
On humanitarian assistance, the Minister acknowledged the EU’s support for internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly in the North-West, but urged greater attention to emerging humanitarian needs in the North-Central region, especially Benue State, which continues to host a significant number of displaced persons.
He stressed that “stronger institutional cooperation, targeted interventions and sustained support” would help Nigeria address humanitarian challenges, reduce poverty and create conditions for safe, orderly and mutually beneficial migration.
In his remarks, Brunner reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a comprehensive and balanced partnership with Nigeria, identifying migration management, security, trade and the reintegration of returning migrants as key areas of cooperation.
The EU Commissioner also described the planned signing of a readmission agreement with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an important step towards strengthening bilateral engagement.
He further highlighted ongoing collaboration to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, improve the reintegration of returning migrants and explore additional areas of mutual interest.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olubumi Olusanya, welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Minister and staff of the Ministry, expressing confidence that the engagement would strengthen existing relations between Nigeria and the EU, particularly on migration-related challenges.
The meeting was attended by directors of the Ministry, EU officials and the EU Ambassador, Gauntier Mignot.
