The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) announced on Tuesday that 8,000 migrants were reported dead or missing worldwide in 2025, bringing the cumulative total since 2014 to over 82,000. An estimated 340,000 family members have been directly affected by these losses.
Shifting Migration Routes and Persistent Risks
Despite a decline in arrivals in some regions, the data indicates that migration routes are shifting rather than easing. Risks remain high along increasingly dangerous journeys. The findings are based on IOM's Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) Global Overview of Migration Routes and new analysis from the Missing Migrants Project. DTM tracks movements, changing routes, and conditions along migration corridors through direct field monitoring and governmental data sources. The Missing Migrants Project documents migrant deaths and disappearances using official records, media reports, and information from IOM missions worldwide.
According to IOM Director-General Amy Pop, "Routes are shifting in response to conflict, climate pressures, and policy changes, but the risks are still very real." She emphasized that behind the numbers are individuals undertaking dangerous journeys and families left waiting for news that may never come. Data is critical for understanding these routes and designing interventions to reduce risks, save lives, and promote safer migration pathways.
Nigeria's Digital Reforms in Immigration and Border Management
In response to these challenges, Nigeria has intensified efforts to overhaul its immigration and border management systems through sweeping digital reforms. These reforms aim to strengthen national security and enhance the country's appeal to global investors. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, stated that "the country's strategic priority is to safeguard its territorial integrity while maintaining its leadership role in Africa." She noted that Nigeria's security landscape is increasingly shaped by illegal migration, human trafficking, and cyber-enabled crimes.
Dr. Ajani made these remarks at the International Roundtable on Policy and Governance Reforms, themed 'Policy and Governance Reforms in Nigeria's Immigration and Border Management Sector,' organized by the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Lagos. She disclosed that agencies under the ministry, including the NIS, are being repositioned to strengthen surveillance and improve operational efficiency.
E-Border Security Project and Advanced Tools
The e-border security project has covered over 1,000 kilometers in its first phase, with the second phase approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Advanced tools such as biometric identity systems, IT-enabled border analytics, and integrated passenger information platforms are being deployed to profile travelers before arrival and enhance real-time monitoring. Representing the Comptroller-General of NIS, Kemi Nandap, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Mohammed Adamu noted that digital tools have reduced visa processing time from 72 hours to approximately 10 hours. Surveillance systems and real-time monitoring are strengthening efforts to combat transnational crimes and human trafficking.
These initiatives reflect Nigeria's commitment to leveraging technology for improved border security and migration management, aligning with global efforts to address the human cost of unsafe migration.
