The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has opened its third migration health assessment centre in Nigeria situated in Benin City, Edo State, to respond to the increasing demand for medical services for Nigerians wishing to migrate regularly from the country.

The centre which provides opportunity to promote the health of migrants through a range of services, including through referrals where necessary, was commissioned for use by the IOM Deputy Director-General, Ugochi Daniels, alongside Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The IOM Deputy Director-General, Ugochi Daniels explained that the centre was established in Edo because the state remains the heart of migration in Nigeria and bring the organization closer to its client base in South South and South East while offering much needed medical suport services to returnees with medical conditions.

“As we all know, Edo remains the heart of migration in Nigeria. It is, therefore, no-brainer for us to establish a center in a community where migration have driven development.

“A center in Edo means we are closer to our clients based in the south-south and southeast, while offering the much needed support for our returnees with medical conditions.

“It is our hope that the center will lead us into a new programming areas to complement the vision of the state government,” she said.

The IOM head of Benin sub-office, Wintana Tarekegn, explained since its operation in 2017, the organization has deepened its operation in Edo State offering assistance to over 7,000 migrants in the state.

Tarekegn said the office had established strong collaboration with the state government and non-governmental organisations.

According to Terekegn, IOM in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, has supported the voluntary return of 30,000 and reintegration over 17,000 Nigeria migrants stranded in Libya, Niger and other countries from 2017 to date.

“With Edo and Delta accounting for the highest number of returnees, it necessitated the establishment of the Benin sub-office,” she added.

On his part, Governor Godwin Obaseki noted that the collaboration with IOM has helped the government in building institutional mechanism to tackle human trafficking in Edo and achieve significant reduction in irregular migration.

Obaseki said “We are delighted that IOM was expanding its operational base in the state by opening this new office and upgrading its facilities.

“And we believe that this will enhance their capacity to support programmes aimed at tackling this problem and challenges. 

The commissioning attracted dignitaries from various sectors, including senior government officials, diplomatic corps, international partners, members of civil society, and medical professional, amongst others.