Senate Pledges Support For EU, Wants Capacity Building For Illegal Migrants

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President of the Senate

By Nuel Suji – The Nigerian Senate has pledged to support efforts that would address the rising cases of illegal immigration into Europe.

President, Bukola Saraki, who spoke during a courtesy call on him by the new European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria, Ketil Karlson, urged for capacity building for illegal migrants before being sent home.

President of the Senate

In a statement signed by the Head, International Relations to the Senate President, Bamikole Omishore. Mr. Saraki also called on the EU to ensure that Nigerians legally staying in Europe are not only protected but have their stay properly regularized.

“I know there are a number of issues that are of great concern to you and to us, particularly in the area of migration,” he said.

Adding: “I know there are pending agreements between Nigeria and the EU that we need to be prompt about and come to quick resolution so as to be able to put those agreements in place.

“This, I believe will help us address the issue of illegal immigrants into the EU and also to see what kind of responses we can build, like capacity, to make it more attractive for these Nigerians to come back and be able to sustain a livelihood.

“I think this is something we need to start pushing forward in our discussions and see how we can begin to implement something that will work. I also think that during your tenure in the country, this is a very important area where we need to see work done. We need to see how we can provide some vocational training for individuals that are willing to come back.”

Earlier, Ambassador Karlsen described Nigeria and the EU as natural political partners and pledged to work to further cement the existing cordial relations between the EU and the country.

“So, whatever I can do to promote that understanding you can count on me. As I enter my tenure and be responsible for a very significant development cooperation portfolio I would wish nevertheless to emphasize the political relationship”, Mr. Karlsen said.

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