The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for a strategic approach to migration, suggesting that Nigeria could benefit from a labour tax model similar to that of the Philippines to harness the potential of the migrant workforce. She said this during a visit with scholars from the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM) at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained that migration is not inherently negative but requires careful management to protect national security and interests.
The minister, recognised as an international expert in migration governance, proposed implementing a labour tax system to channel migrant contributions into national development projects. She argued that structured migration could provide significant economic benefits while safeguarding Nigeria’s national interests.
Drawing from her previous experience as Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Sulaiman-Ibrahim advocated for a comprehensive review of migration policies. Her goal is to establish measures that protect the human, civil, and economic rights of Nigerians abroad.
The discussion took place in the context of ISDEVCOM’s upcoming 6th International Conference, themed “Japa: Communicating Migration, Diaspora and Africa’s Development.” The minister praised the conference’s approach to addressing the complex challenges of migration.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted Nigeria’s efforts in citizen evacuation, noting the country’s challenging but commendable operations in Sudan, Ukraine, and South Africa. She urged parents and guardians to prioritise legal and safe migration pathways.
In an international diplomatic achievement, the minister recalled successfully securing representation for Anglophone countries in migration discussions at the European Union African Partner Initiative. Her intervention resulted in additional slots for countries like Nigeria, where migration is a significant concern.
The minister also used the opportunity to champion women’s political participation. While acknowledging the current 74 seats allocated to women in Parliament as a positive start, she stressed that this number is insufficient and called for continued efforts to increase women’s representation in governance.
Leader of the ISDEVCOM delegation and Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue, commended the minister’s achievements. He noted her recent recognition as the Iconic Female Minister of the Year by the Women Recognition Award 2025.
The conference aims to provide a multidisciplinary platform for scholars, government and non-governmental organisations, and the public to discuss solutions to the increasing trend of illegal migration. The minister highlighted the particular vulnerability of women and children in migration scenarios.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s approach reveals a comprehensive understanding of migration as a complex social and economic phenomenon. By advocating for structured, legal migration channels and potential economic benefits, she presents a nuanced perspective that goes beyond traditional restrictive approaches.
The minister’s support for the ISDEVCOM conference indicates the importance of academic and policy dialogue in addressing critical national challenges. Her emphasis on legal migration, economic opportunities, and women’s empowerment demonstrates a holistic approach to national development.
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