Rajat Madhok

Preparedness starts with the people on the frontline. IOM, in collaboration with @nigimmigration and other partners, conducted a training for frontline NIS officials at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to strengthen preparedness for Bundibugyo Virus Disease (Ebola) and other infectious disease threats.

Being prepared starts at the point of entry. On Friday, we and our partners were at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, assessing preparedness for Ebola and other infectious diseases. The visit looked at screening, infection prevention and control, and operational readiness to identify gaps and strengthen response capacity. Together with Port Health Services, @NCDCgov and other partners, IOM continues to support stronger preparedness at Points of Entry.

Partnerships with academia can help shape how migration is understood, discussed and communicated. Recently, IOM and @pau_nigeria's School of Media and Communication signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration on migration communication, research, media education, and professional development in Nigeria. This partnership is set to support the next generation of communication professionals in raising awareness and shaping public understanding of migration. 🔗 tinyurl.com/57pxbdfr

Yesterday, IOM, together with partners, handed over essential Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) supplies to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja to support Nigeria’s preparedness and response to Ebola (BVD). Supported by the US GHSD project, the donation includes face masks, gloves, thermometers, hand sanitiser dispensers and other critical supplies. We continue to work closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to strengthen national health security.

In a special video message marking the milestone, His Excellency, Senator @officialSKSM, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, congratulated IOM on 25 years of service and partnership with Nigeria, recognising its contributions to supporting displaced communities, protecting vulnerable populations and promoting safe and regular migration. Watch the video here 👇

“Because when mobility opens doors, opportunity enters. When opportunity reaches people, resilience grows. And when people are resilient, a nation can face the future with hope.” — @DimancheSh, IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission, at the IOM at 25 celebration. #IOMNigeria25 #25Years25Lives

Sustainable reintegration goes beyond return. It is about ensuring people have the support, opportunities, and dignity they need to rebuild their lives. “The critical question is not how we bring our people back home; it is what happens to them after they arrive.” — Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, @DrBernardDoro, at the IOM at 25 celebration. #IOMNigeria25 #25Years25Lives

Yesterday, we connected donors live to seven locations across northern Nigeria, offering a firsthand look at IOM’s work in some of the most challenging and hard-to-reach areas. From humanitarian response to peacebuilding and durable solutions, the virtual visit brought together colleagues on the ground and our donor partners for meaningful conversations on the challenges, progress, and opportunities ahead. A valuable opportunity to bring the realities from the field directly to our partners and strengthen our shared commitment to communities in need.

Women are the backbone of cross-border trade in West Africa, yet many still face harassment, exploitation, and unclear border procedures. At #NES32, IOM's Regional Director, @LopezEkra, called on ECOWAS Member States to turn existing commitments and One-Stop Border Post initiatives into coordinated action that makes borders safer, faster, and more accessible for traders and businesses. #GrowthThatWorks #NESG

Our Regional Director, @LopezEkra met with Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, @DrBernardDoro, to discuss strengthening collaboration on humanitarian response, durable solutions for internally displaced persons and returnees, and moving from palliatives to sustainable pathways out of poverty. Discussions focused on the importance of stronger coordination between humanitarian action, social protection, development and peacebuilding, with government leadership at the centre. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working together to build resilience, create jobs and provide lasting opportunities for vulnerable communities across Nigeria.

For Courage, a young entrepreneur, having the skills but not the opportunity was one of her greatest challenges. After returning to Nigeria, she struggled to make ends meet, taking on small jobs while searching for a way forward. With support from IOM, she received a sewing and weaving machine that helped her start her fashion business. Today, her business has expanded, and she continues to dream bigger, confident that her best days are still ahead. #IOMNigeria25 #25Years25Lives 2️⃣Days to go.

A journey that began with uncertainty became an opportunity to create impact. When Taiwo returned to Nigeria, she brought home more than experience. She brought a vision. With support from IOM, she rebuilt her recycling business, turning plastic waste into valuable products and creating opportunities for others. Today, Taiwo is turning waste into wealth and vision into impact. #IOMNigeria25 #25Years25Lives 3⃣ Days to go.

For survivors of trafficking, access to support and justice can be life-changing. With the support of @DutchMFA, IOM has strengthened the capacity of members of the Edo Legal Hub to provide support to victims of trafficking and improve access to justice. Listen to Barrister Tony as he shares how collaboration is making a difference in Edo State. #IOMNigeria25 #25Years25Lives 7⃣ Days to go.

Adamu has seen firsthand how access to water has made life much easier for residents of Railway Community, Maiduguri. For years, they had to walk long distances, spend hours in queues, and sometimes return home without water. Today, thanks to the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund (NHF) and IOM, that burden has eased, bringing comfort and peace of mind to countless households. “When you give someone water, you give them life.” - Adamu. #IOMNigeria25 #25Years25Lives 8⃣ Days to go.

Flooding along the River Benue has affected 32 villages in Agatu LGA, Benue State, including Oweto and Utugologwu. IOM joined Benue SEMA and the @nrcs_ng on a rapid needs assessment, which found that over 1,000 people across about 200 households have been affected. Homes, schools and churches have been flooded, two bridges are submerged, and many families are now drinking untreated water. With rice, maize and cassava farms under water, food supplies and incomes are also at risk. In response, IOM is mobilising relief items from its emergency stock, including mattresses, non-food item kits and mosquito nets, which will be handed over to Benue SEMA for distribution to affected families. IOM will keep working with government and humanitarian partners to support the response and strengthen flood preparedness in the area. #BenueFloods #IOMNigeria #UNMigration

When conflict forced Haliru Bala and his family to flee Doron Baga, finding safety became their most urgent need. For Haliru, having a secure place to live means his family can face each day with confidence, knowing they have protection from the elements and a place to call home. Thanks to IOM, Haliru's family found more than shelter. They found safety, stability, and a foundation on which to rebuild their lives. #IOMNigeria25 #25Years25Lives 9⃣ Days to go.