The Edo State Migration Agency (EDMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration among government institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to enhance the sustainable reintegration of returnees across Edo State. The commitment was announced by the Director-General of EDMA and Deputy Coordinator of the Reintegration Committee, Chief Lucky Agazuma, during a two-day Capacity Strengthening Workshop held in Benin City.
The workshop convened representatives of government agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and institutions involved in migration governance, protection, return, readmission and reintegration. The engagement was organised to strengthen institutional capacity, improve coordination among participating organisations and enhance the effectiveness of reintegration programmes within the state.
During the workshop, Chief Agazuma emphasised that sustainable reintegration requires coordinated action among relevant stakeholders. He noted that strategic partnerships remain essential for improving support services available to returnees and ensuring long-term reintegration outcomes.
The Secretary of the Reintegration Committee, Mrs. Victoria Omo-Ero, presented the Committee's work plan and explained that the workshop provided an opportunity to review implementation priorities, assess funding requirements and identify operational gaps requiring attention. She highlighted the importance of effective planning, adequate financial support and continued collaboration in strengthening reintegration programmes across Edo State.
The Chairman of the Reintegration Committee and Zonal Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Barrister Sam Offia, reaffirmed the Committee's commitment to sustaining its activities through regular engagements aimed at improving implementation and achieving stronger results in migration governance and returnee reintegration.
The workshop demonstrates an institutional approach to migration governance that prioritises coordinated planning and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Reintegration programmes frequently involve social protection, livelihood support, skills development and psychosocial assistance, making cooperation among government agencies, development partners and civil society organisations essential for effective programme delivery.
Reviewing implementation plans and funding requirements strengthens institutional preparedness by identifying operational gaps before they affect programme execution. Such planning can improve resource allocation, clarify stakeholder responsibilities and enhance coordination across organisations responsible for supporting returnees.
The participation of both state institutions and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons also reflects the interconnected nature of migration governance, human trafficking prevention and reintegration policy. Coordinated engagement between these institutions can strengthen referral systems, improve service delivery and promote more comprehensive support for individuals returning to their communities.
Overall, the initiative reinforces Edo State's emphasis on strengthening migration governance through institutional collaboration, strategic planning and coordinated reintegration programmes. By enhancing stakeholder capacity and improving implementation frameworks, the state seeks to support sustainable reintegration outcomes while strengthening broader governance arrangements relating to migration management.
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