The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has launched a Capacity-building Support for Migrants and Refugees Service Coordinators in Nigeria. This development has attracted wide commendations from the Federal Government, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), International Organization for Migration (IOM), and other stakeholders.
In his keynote address, Most Rev. Dr. Anselm Umoren, MSP, on behalf of the Episcopal Chairman of the Migrants and Refugees Unit at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Yohanna Bulus, emphasized the Church’s commitment to caring for migrants and refugees, citing the biblical narrative of Jesus Christ and the Holy Family’s experience as refugees. “This training is not simply about acquiring new skills. It is about deepening our theological vision, renewing our pastoral commitment, and equipping ourselves to be credible witnesses of God’s mercy and justice to our displaced brothers and sisters,” he stated.
The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, represented by Amb. Janet Olisa, commended the Catholic Church’s leadership in humanitarian service, highlighting the importance of collaboration in supporting vulnerable communities. She emphasized the need to uphold the dignity and rights of migrants and refugees.
The Director General of NAPTIP, Binta L. Adamu Bello, represented by the Director of Reforms, Commander Peter Essien, stressed the agency’s commitment to working with the Catholic Secretariat and other stakeholders to combat human trafficking, irregular migration, and violence against persons. He emphasized the importance of equipping faith-based actors and stakeholders with knowledge, ethical frameworks, and trusted guides for assisting vulnerable persons.
Other stakeholders, including the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), also commended the initiative, highlighting the need for collaboration and inclusivity in addressing migration challenges in the country.
The Secretary General of the CSN, Fr. Michael ‘Leke Banjo, in his address, emphasized the Church’s indispensable role in caring for migrants and refugees, citing Pope Francis’ statement, “In every migrant and refugee, we encounter the face of Christ.” He called for continued collaboration between the Church and government to build a national framework of care, protection, and opportunity for all on the move.
The Director of the Department of Church and Society, CSN, Rev. Fr. Peter Babangida, noted that migration is an aspect of humanity. He added that the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has entrusted the Migrants and Refugees Unit with the responsibility of coordinating advocacy, offering assistance, and managing the migrant ministry of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
The Episcopal Secretary of the Migrants and Refugees Unit, CSN, Rev. Fr. Augustine Akhogba, in his presentation on the policy of the Unit, stated that the office, which is coordinated by the Episcopal Secretary under the supervision of the Director of the Department of Church and Society, was established in 2023. He added that it serves as an official voice of CBCN on matters concerning migrants and refugees and also as an instrument of the church to provide pastoral responses to the needs of migrants of all categories in Nigeria, among other duties.
The event which served as the inception ceremony for a two-day training on different aspects of migration management, brought together Diocesan Coordinators of Migrants and Refugees Units, representatives of Religious Congregations, other Church and non-Church agencies in Nigeria. It also witnessed the inauguration of Advocates for Migrants and Refugees and the presentation and unveiling of the Handbook of Pastoral Care of Migration and Refugees in Nigeria.
The exercise was sponsored by missio Aachen and is being facilitated by IOM, UNHCR, Caritas Nigeria and the Abuja Archdiocesan Justice, Development and Peace Commission, as well as other researchers. The capacity-building program will be eventually stepped-down by the benficiaries in all the Dioceses and pastoral jurisdictions across the country.
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