By Katherine Abayomi
The German agency Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GiZ) and ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) have commenced the rehabilitation of hundreds of deported and returned Nigerians through vocational skills training, aimed at reintegrating them into society.
Currently, 400 returnees are undergoing training across Abuja, Lagos, and Edo states under the Reconnect Programme — a collaborative initiative between GiZ and ActionAid Nigeria.
Speaking at the onboarding ceremony in Abuja, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, represented by the Director of Business Development and Innovation, Nkechi Ilochi-Kanny, said the programme is designed to offer more than just skills acquisition.
“Today marks more than just the start of a training programme. It marks the beginning of a transformative journey that will open doors to new opportunities, foster self-reliance, and lay the foundation for a brighter and more secure future,” Mamedu said.
He noted that migration remains both a survival strategy and a risk for many Nigerians who flee the country due to unemployment, insecurity, and lack of opportunities. According to the International Organisation for Migration, over 17,000 Nigerians have voluntarily returned from Libya, Niger, and other transit countries since 2017.
“These returnees often come home to stigma, mental health challenges, and limited reintegration opportunities. The Reconnect Project addresses these issues through vocational training, psychosocial support, institutional strengthening, and community engagement,” he added.
GiZ Project Component Manager in Abuja, Tolulope Olaiya, stated that the initiative is more than a reintegration programme but a platform for creating an enabling environment where migration becomes beneficial for all parties involved — including returning migrants, their families, local communities, and the nation.
“As we launch this phase, we reaffirm our commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure vocational training contributes meaningfully to national efforts aimed at making migration safe, orderly, and beneficial,” she said.
Encouraging the beneficiaries, Olaiya urged them to embrace the opportunity with commitment and self-belief. “Learning a skill is not just about securing a job; it’s about gaining the power to shape your own future.”
Also speaking at the event, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Hon. Tijani Ahmed, represented by Dr. Nsikan Essien, said the Reconnect Programme is a promise of hope, restoration, and sustainable inclusion.
He described the onboarding ceremony as the beginning of a new chapter for the beneficiaries, many of whom have faced displacement, hardship, and marginalization.
“At NCFRMI, we believe reintegration is not complete without empowerment. This is why initiatives like these are central to our mandate. When we invest in skills, we invest in futures. And when we invest in people, we invest in peace, progress, and national prosperity,” Ahmed said.
He added that the Commission’s support aligns with its “Project 5×5” Agenda, which focuses on livelihood support, durable solutions, and strategic partnerships — especially for vulnerable groups such as returned migrants, women, and persons with disabilities.
The ongoing training represents a significant step toward inclusive development and conflict-sensitive reintegration, according to the organisers.
