In a major push to boost Nigeria’s human capital and build a more resilient, inclusive economy, ActionAid Nigeria and its partner organisations have intensified efforts to expand national skills development, targeting returning migrants and vulnerable populations across key sectors.

The initiative—part of ActionAid’s Reintegration and Empowerment for Connecting and Nurturing Opportunities for Vulnerable Populations and Returning Migrants (the Reconnect Project)—is designed to equip beneficiaries with practical, market-ready skills that drive innovation, reduce unemployment, and support long-term economic sustainability.

According to ActionAid Nigeria, 450 returning migrants across Edo, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have so far been trained under the programme.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of 130 beneficiaries in Lagos, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, represented by Dr. Funmi Olukeye, Director of People and Culture, said the initiative goes beyond basic skills acquisition.

“Our goal is not just to teach a skill, but to create a pathway out of poverty and toward self-reliance,” he said.
He emphasised that the training equips migrants for competitiveness in demanding industries while enabling them to produce quality goods that meet evolving consumer expectations.

The skills covered include fashion design, catering, hairdressing, and various vocational trades.

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Supporting Reintegration After Trauma

Project Coordinator Abraham Aba explained that the Reconnect Project is tailored to empower returnees who had faced traumatic experiences abroad, including trafficking and exploitation. He noted that 400 beneficiaries across Lagos, Edo, and the FCT have received starter packs—ranging from industrial sewing machines and hair dryers to gas cookers and clippers—to help them launch their businesses.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) also reaffirmed its support for the welfare and reintegration of migrants. Assistant Comptroller General, Zone A, Lagos, Mr. Echefulam Anugwa, represented by Assistant Controller Chris Ejunka, highlighted the service’s wide-ranging role in migrant support.

“When travellers are stranded, we help them. Some do not even have valid travel documents to return home,” he said.
“Upon their arrival, the NIS serves as the primary receiving agency at the airports, after which we hand them over to the appropriate bodies such as the IOM or the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs.”

Anugwa commended the Reconnect Project as “highly commendable” and urged Nigerians seeking to migrate to follow due process and legal guidelines.

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Pathway to Sustainable Livelihoods

Graduates of the programme will receive full start-up kits, including tools, safety gear, and marketing materials to support business take-off. They will also be integrated into cooperatives to foster collaboration, mentorship, and resource sharing—key elements for sustainable enterprise development.

With the Reconnect Project, ActionAid and its partners are reinforcing national efforts to build skilled, economically empowered communities and ensure that vulnerable groups and returning migrants are not left behind in Nigeria’s development agenda.