By Mustapha Salisu
The Adolescent Health and Information Project (AHIP), in collaboration with regional partners, has trained Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), women’s groups and local authorities on gender-responsive migration governance and climate adaptation.
The three-day workshop, held from Tuesday to Thursday at Gidan AHIP, Maiduguri Road, Kano, brought together CSOs, women leaders, local government officials, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), youth advocates and protection actors.
The training focused on irregular migration, legal migration pathways and environmental vulnerabilities affecting communities in Northern Nigeria.
AHIP is implementing the ROOTS Project (Resilient Opportunities for Outreach, Trade & Sustainability) with support from International Organization for Migration (IOM) the European Union and The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) under the Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa – Phase II (FMM West Africa II).
On the first day, participants examined ECOWAS migration governance structures, national migration policies and their links with state and local government authorities.
Facilitators also discussed the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement, including rights to entry, residence and establishment, as well as regular migration channels, passport requirements and travel-related misinformation.
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The second day focused on the relationship between climate change, displacement and livelihoods.
Participants examined the effects of drought, desertification, irregular rainfall and agricultural decline, as well as how rural unemployment and livelihood losses can contribute to climate-induced displacement.
Discussions also addressed protection risks affecting women, girls and young people during displacement, alongside climate-resilient agriculture, green economic opportunities and public awareness strategies.
The final day focused on gender equity, inclusive governance, human rights and anti-trafficking safeguards.
Participants mapped local protection referral networks, examined survivor assistance mechanisms and explored advocacy approaches for protecting migrants’ rights.
The organisers said the training is expected to strengthen community referral pathways, improve gender-responsive governance and support the development of local action plans for sustainable community resilience.