Nigeria Advances Diaspora Engagement, Migration Governance At IMRF 2026 In New York

The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening protection for its citizens abroad while strategically harnessing diaspora contributions for national development.

He made this known while serving as Co-Chair of Roundtable 3 on Diaspora Engagement at the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF 2026), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States.

The Minister noted that Nigeria’s diaspora remains a critical partner in driving inclusive growth, contributing significantly through remittances, investment, skills transfer, and innovation. He emphasized that the Federal Government is actively repositioning its engagement strategy to better integrate diaspora contributions into national development frameworks.

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According to the Honourable Minister, “platforms such as the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit and diaspora-focused financial instruments are being leveraged to promote investment and facilitate skills transfer.”
He explained that, these initiatives are part of a broader effort to ensure that diaspora engagement translates into measurable socio-economic outcomes.

Dr. Doro further stated that “these efforts reflect a strategic shift towards recognizing diaspora communities not merely as beneficiaries of protection systems, but as active partners in development.”
He added that, Nigeria’s experience, alongside those of other countries, provides valuable entry points for strengthening systems, improving coordination, and scaling impact across migration governance frameworks.

The Minister underscored the importance of moving beyond fragmented approaches to humanitarian and migration interventions, calling for more coordinated, systems-driven responses. “This roundtable provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can collectively strengthen preventive protection mechanisms, deepen partnerships, and adopt innovative approaches that bridge policy commitments with practical implementation,” he said.

He also urged stakeholders to engage actively in shaping forward-looking solutions, noting that “As we begin our discussions, it is important to share concrete experiences, identify scalable solutions, and contribute to building a more proactive, inclusive, and development-oriented migration system.”

The Honourable Minister reiterated that Nigeria’s position aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes inclusive growth, strengthened global partnerships, and expanded opportunities for all Nigerians, including those in the diaspora.

Diaspora

He concluded by expressing optimism for the outcomes of the Forum, stating that Nigeria remains committed to building a more inclusive, coordinated, and development-driven migration system that safeguards its citizens and maximizes the potential of its diaspora for national transformation.

The International Migration Review Forum (IMRF 2026) is held from May 5–8, it is a primary intergovernmental platform for reviewing progress on the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).

The Forum brings together Heads of State, policymakers, development partners, civil society organisations, academia, and the private sector to advance global cooperation on migration and adopt a Progress Declaration to guide future actions.

Signed:
Janet MCDickson Director, Press and Public Relations
Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction

NAF Hercules C-130: The Strategic Workhorse Powering Operations, Saving Lives

For decades, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Hercules C-130 has remained a formidable symbol of strength and resilience, serving as one of the most critical operational assets of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Renowned globally for its versatility and reliability, the aircraft has consistently delivered rapid airlift capabilities across diverse and challenging environments.

From transporting troops and military hardware to sustaining frontline operations, as well as conducting humanitarian missions, aeromedical evacuations, delivering relief materials, and saving lives, the C-130 has played a central role in enhancing military operations while supporting the civil populace across the country.

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Its ability to operate from austere and semi-prepared airstrips has made it indispensable in counter-insurgency campaigns and support missions across various theatres of operation.

The aircraft equally proved its strategic value while supporting Nigerian contingents deployed in Liberia and Sierra Leone, reinforcing Nigeria’s military reach and contribution to regional stability through sustained strategic airlift operations.

NAF

Beyond combat operations, the C-130 has remained a vital humanitarian and national response platform. The aircraft has airlifted hundreds of thousands of kilograms of relief materials to disaster-stricken communities, supported flood relief operations, evacuated displaced persons from inaccessible locations, and conducted life-saving aeromedical evacuation missions for wounded personnel and critically ill patients.

During national emergencies and public health crises, it has consistently remained at the forefront of rapid response efforts, transporting medical teams, equipment, and essential supplies across the country.

Through its enduring operational impact and humanitarian contributions, the Hercules C-130 continues to embody the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to national defence, humanitarian service, and the protection of the Nigerian people.

Alleged ₦80.2bn Kogi Fraud: Witness Narrates How Maitama Property Was Bought With ₦550m

A Prosecution Witness, PW14, Shehu Bello, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, told Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, that a property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Spring Close, Maitama, was purchased for ₦550 million and paid for in United States dollars cash in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Bello on an alleged money laundering amounting to ₦80,246,470,088.88.

Testifying under examination-in-chief by prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, SAN, Bello, a real estate agent and commodity trader, said the transaction was carried out on behalf of his client, Dr. Faruk Bello.

“We agreed ₦550 million, but it was paid in U.S. dollars in cash. I was also paid my commission in cash,” he said.

The witness further disclosed that he facilitated the purchase of another property for the same client at Lome Street, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, for ₦105 million, which was paid via bank transfer to the seller.

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Bello also told the court that he had previous business dealings with Ali Bello, describing him as a friend. “Ali Bello is my friend. We have done some businesses together in the past—commodity and property business,” he said.

He revealed that he sold his personal property located at Plot 1773, Guzape District, Abuja, to Ali Bello for ₦68 million, having earlier purchased it for ₦63 million.

He also stated that he assisted in sourcing a buyer for another property in Guzape on behalf of Ali Bello.

While the prosecution sought to tender the extra-judicial statement of the witness made to the EFCC, the defence counsel J.B Daudu SAN, objected, describing it as a cautionary statement and therefore inadmissible. In a bid to avoid delay in proceedings, the prosecution withdrew the document and proceeded.

Earlier in the proceedings, the prosecution had called PW13, Baba Isa Usman Baffa, an estate surveyor and facility manager, who testified on a property transaction at Plot 739, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, also known as Cityscape Shariff Plaza.

Baffa told the court that Ali Bello purchased a shop in the plaza, stating that: “He paid an initial deposit of ₦40 million and later paid the balance of ₦26 million, including agency fees. A receipt was issued to him, and he was allocated Shop B13.”

He added that the payment was made into the account of Shariff Plaza Management and Facility Company and confirmed under cross-examination that the buyer took possession of the property. The witness was thereafter discharged.

Also testifying earlier was PW12, Jamilu Abdullahi, a Bureau de Change operator, who was cross-examined on his previous testimony before another court regarding a $300,000 transaction allegedly conducted for school fees payment to the American International School.

When asked whether he still stood by the earlier testimony, the witness said: “My Lord, the answer is a little more than yes or no. When I explain, I will then answer.”

Fraud

The prosecution, through its lead Counsel Kemi Pinheiro SAN, objected to the defence’s insistence on a direct answer, arguing that the witness should be allowed to explain. “He cannot be confined… there’s no law that compels him to answer a question. A witness can keep mute. Muteness is an answer,” he said.

The witness, however, stated that he could not fully recall the details, noting that “it has been a long time.” He also confirmed that E-traders was his company and denied any suggestion that he feared being charged by the EFCC for operating an unlicensed Bureau de Change. “I am a licensed Bureau de Change operator “, he said.

He was subsequently discharged.

Justice Nwite thereafter adjourned the matter till May 7, 2026, for continuation of trial.