Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria Launches Capacity-Building Support Program for Migrants and Refugee Service Coordinators

Strategic Insights -

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has initiated a Capacity-Building Support Program for Migrants and Refugee Service Coordinators in Nigeria. This program has been widely commended by the Federal Government, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and other stakeholders. The program aims to equip faith-based actors and stakeholders with knowledge, ethics frameworks, and resources needed to assist vulnerable individuals. The Catholic Church's commitment to caring for migrants and refugees was emphasized by Rev. Fr. Yohanna Bunu, citing the biblical narrative of Jesus Christ and the Holy Family's experiences as refugees.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has launched a Capacity-Building Support Program for Migrants and Refugee Service Coordinators in Nigeria, which has received widespread commendations from the Federal Government, NAPTIP, NIS, IOM, and other stakeholders.
  • The program aims to equip faith-based actors and stakeholders with knowledge, ethics frameworks, and resources needed to assist vulnerable individuals, as emphasized by the Secretary-General of CSN, Fr. Michael Kelechi Banjo.
  • The Director-General of NAPTIP, Dr. Fatima Waziri-Azi, commended the agency's commitment to working with the Catholic Secretariat and other stakeholders to combat human trafficking, irregular migration, and violence against persons.
  • The program also aims to deepen the theological vision, renew the pastoral commitment, and equip the faith-based actors to be credible witnesses of God's mercy and justice to the displaced brothers and sisters, as stated by Rev. Fr. Yohanna Bunu.
  • The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar represented by Ambassador Janet Olisa, lauded the Catholic Church's leadership in the importance of equipping faith-based actors and stakeholders with knowledge, ethics frameworks, and resources needed to assist vulnerable individuals.
  • The Director-General of NIS, Kemi Nandap, represented by the Director of Reforms, Dr. Sunday James, reiterated the commitment to working with CSN and other stakeholders in addressing migration challenges in the country.
  • The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has restructured its work on migrants and refugees with coordinating advocacy, providing assistance, and managing the Church's migrant ministry in Nigeria, as noted by Rev. Fr. Peter Babangida.
  • The office of the Episcopal Secretary of the Migrants and Refugees Unit was established in 2023, as presented by Reverend Father Augustine Akioya.

Statistics:

  • The program aims to equip faith-based actors and stakeholders with knowledge, ethics frameworks, and resources needed to assist vulnerable individuals.
  • The Catholic Church's commitment to caring for migrants and refugees has been emphasized by Rev. Fr. Yohanna Bunu, citing the biblical narrative of Jesus Christ and the Holy Family's experiences as refugees.
  • The program has received widespread commendations from the Federal Government, NAPTIP, NIS, IOM, and other stakeholders.
  • The program aims to deepen the theological vision, renew the pastoral commitment, and equip the faith-based actors to be credible witnesses of God's mercy and justice to the displaced brothers and sisters.
  • The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar represented by Ambassador Janet Olisa, lauded the Catholic Church's leadership in the importance of equipping faith-based actors and stakeholders with knowledge, ethics frameworks, and resources needed to assist vulnerable individuals.
  • The Director-General of NIS, Kemi Nandap, represented by the Director of Reforms, Dr. Sunday James, reiterated the commitment to working with CSN and other stakeholders in addressing migration challenges in the country.

Sources:

  • Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN)
  • Federal Government
  • National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)
  • Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)
  • International Organization for Migration (IOM)
  • National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD)
  • National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
  • Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)