31/03/2026
Ogunlende Reaffirms Lagos Commitment to Fostering Inclusive Development at European Policy Dialogue
The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, has emphasized the importance of international collaboration in addressing migration and human trafficking challenges following his participation in a cross-border policy dialogue held across Belgium and the Netherlands.
Ogunlende joined other Lagos State officials, European policymakers, law enforcement agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organisations under the Stronger Futures: Survivor-Centered Reintegration and Cross-Border Policy Dialogue initiative.
The engagement focused on migration governance, reintegration strategies, and anti-trafficking efforts.
Describing the visit as a valuable platform, the Commissioner said it enabled Lagos State to showcase its ongoing interventions while learning from global best practices to strengthen local systems.
“Our engagements with the European Commission and other key stakeholders highlighted the critical role of subnational governments like Lagos State in shaping migration governance and development outcomes,” he said.
He noted that discussions during the visit reinforced Lagos State’s position as Nigeria’s economic hub and its commitment to policies centred on youth empowerment, social protection, and the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"These discussions reinforced the importance of sustained partnerships, policy dialogue, and international cooperation in addressing the complex realities of migration and reintegration," he said.
According to Ogunlende, a major highlight of the trip, was interaction with law enforcement agencies and frontline organisations supporting victims of human trafficking.
"These engagements provided valuable insights into trafficking trends, victim identification, and the need for coordinated responses between law enforcement, social services, and civil society actors.
"They further underscored the importance of adopting survivor-centered approaches that prioritize psychosocial support, protection, and sustainable reintegration pathways for returnees."
He further disclosed that meetings with academic institutions revealed the need for research-driven policymaking, noting that evidence-based strategies are critical for designing effective social programmes targeting vulnerable populations.
Ogunlende said the visit ultimately reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to strengthening reintegration systems and fostering inclusive development through sustained international partnerships.
