NUJ, IOM Sign MoU to Boost Accurate and Responsible Migration Reporting in Nigeria
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria have strengthened their partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting accurate and responsible migration reporting, media advocacy and effective communication.
The agreement was signed in Abuja during an engagement between the leadership of the two organisations, where officials discussed areas of mutual cooperation and the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding of migration-related issues.
Speaking at the event, President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, stressed the importance of deepening collaboration between the media and IOM to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills required to report migration issues accurately, responsibly and professionally.
Yahya said the media has a crucial role to play in informing the public, raising awareness about early warning signs of irregular migration, countering misinformation and giving adequate attention to the experiences, opportunities and challenges associated with migration.
He identified issues such as malnutrition and drug abuse among the challenges that require greater media attention, stressing the need for journalists to provide the public with credible information that can support informed decisions on migration.
The NUJ President welcomed the MoU, describing it as an opportunity to deepen professional collaboration and create more avenues for journalists across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to acquire relevant knowledge and skills for effective migration reporting.
In her remarks, the Chief of Mission of IOM Nigeria, Ms. Sharon Dimanche, underscored the importance of working closely with the media, describing journalists as key partners in communicating reliable information and shaping public understanding of migration.
Dimanche emphasised the need for accurate, balanced and responsible reporting, noting that effective communication could help improve public understanding of migration, counter misinformation and reduce the number of people falling victim to scammers who exploit advanced online and social media technologies to perpetrate sophisticated fraud.
The engagement featured an overview of the MoU and its key areas of collaboration, followed by the formal signing of the agreement by the leadership of NUJ and IOM and the exchange of signed documents.
The partnership is expected to strengthen cooperation in media advocacy, communication, capacity building and improved reporting of migration-related issues.
Discussions also focused on safe migration, the benefits and opportunities associated with migration, durable solutions, emergency situations, health concerns and other issues affecting migrants and host communities.
Journalists also participated in an interactive session with IOM representatives, during which they asked questions and sought further clarification on migration-related issues.
The signing of the MoU marks a significant step in the relationship between the NUJ National Secretariat and IOM Nigeria, providing a framework for sustained cooperation towards more informed, responsible and impactful migration reporting in Nigeria.
