NOMRA Hosts Stakeholder Consultation on Remittance for National Development

The Stakeholder Consultation on Enhancing Remittance Contributions for National Development was successfully organised by the Network of Migration Research on Africa (NOMRA) with support from FORD Foundation from 24 – 25 July 2017 at Ikeja, Lagos.

The consultation brought together policy experts and representatives from International Labour Organisation [ILO], National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons [NCFRMI], as well as the Center for Migration Studies [CMS] of the University of Ghana. The conference was also richly graced by members of the academia from the University of Ibadan, Lagos State University and Elizade University as well as representatives from the media.

The two-days consultation was officially declared opened by Professor Aderanti Adepoju, the Founder and Coordinator of NOMRA while the opening address was presented by Professor T.O Fadayomi, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University.

According to Professor Fadayomi, “The African diaspora today is facing the rise of extreme nationalist parties throughout Europe and United States under Trump presidency, where most of the African remittances originate. There is a call for tougher migration policies in these countries borne out of the fear of mass migration with negative consequences on jobs and cultural and social harmony.”

He suggested that “African leaders and government should show more interest through their embassies in the condition of work and living of their emigrants, their adjustment challenges and the state of their families and obligations.”

Meanwhile, a Background Paper on “Pathways to Leveraging Remittances for Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities” was presented by Mrs. Omolara Duke, the Deputy Director, Research Department, CBN while a Policy-oriented Paper on “Leveraging Remittances for Development: Lessons Learnt from Ghana Experience” was presented by Dr. Joseph Teye of the Centre for Migration Studies, University of Ghana.

Other panel presentations at the consultation include:

• Enterprising People and Remittances by Omolola Olarinde [M.Sc, MPhil Econs];
• Enhancing the sustainability of migrants’ remittances to Nigeria by C. Ajaero[PhD];
• Microeconomic Impact Assessment of Remittances on Nigerian Households by Emeka Nzeh [PhD];
• Remittances for Development in Nigeria: Retrospect and Prospect by LEO Abejide [PhD]

Participants also had a breakout on the way forward on the following issues:

• Identification of trend, volumes and future of remittances
• Roles of Government Agencies on remittances
• Roles of Money Transfer Organisations on remittances
• Roles of Communities on remittances
• Roles of Individuals on remittances.

To get materials on the conference proceedings and presentations, contact NOMRA via email on info[at]nomra.org.

Meanwhile, here are some pictures from the consultation: