Dutch Council for Refugees Engages Patriotic Citizen Initiatives in Lagos State to Strengthen Collaboration on Return and Reintegration.
Lagos, Nigeria | 24–25 September 2026
Patriotic Citizen Initiatives (PCI) strengthened its partnership with the Dutch Council for Refugees (DCR/VluchtelingenWerk Nederland) during a two-day engagement held in Lagos on 24 and 25 September 2026. The visit provided an opportunity for both organisations to review ongoing reintegration interventions, exchange experiences, and explore opportunities to deepen collaboration in supporting Nigerian migrants returning from abroad.
The engagement was convened by Comr. Osita Osemene, Executive Director of PCI and newly elected National President of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) Nigeria. Discussions focused on PCI's return and reintegration interventions, the importance of sustainable livelihood support, and the operationalisation of the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) programme as a practical tool for strengthening the economic independence of returnees.
Promoting Sustainable Reintegration Through Skills Development
During the discussions, Comr. Osemene highlighted PCI's approach to reintegration, emphasising the need to move beyond immediate return assistance towards long-term stability, self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods. He explained how PCI integrates practical skills development, business knowledge, mentoring and individualised support to help returnees rebuild their lives and pursue meaningful economic opportunities within their communities.
Particular attention was given to the implementation of the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) programme, an internationally recognised business development training approach designed to support aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. Comr. Osemene explained how the programme's structured learning modules can accommodate participants with varying levels of business experience, educational backgrounds and learning needs.
Through this approach, returnees are equipped with practical knowledge to identify business opportunities, develop viable business ideas, improve existing enterprises and make informed decisions about managing their livelihoods. The discussions reinforced the importance of aligning reintegration support with the individual circumstances, capabilities and aspirations of returning migrants.
Both organisations also explored the value of continued cooperation in strengthening reintegration pathways and ensuring that returning migrants have access to relevant support systems that promote dignity, resilience and long-term economic participation.
DCR Delegation Meets Nigerian Returnees Supported by PCI
A significant highlight of the visit was the opportunity for the DCR delegation to interact directly with Nigerian returnees who had returned from the Netherlands and were receiving reintegration support through PCI.
The interactions provided a valuable opportunity for the delegation to hear firsthand accounts of the returnees' experiences, challenges and progress towards rebuilding their lives. Their stories demonstrated the importance of sustained support, access to livelihood opportunities and appropriate guidance in helping returnees regain stability and work towards a more secure future.
The delegation expressed appreciation for the progress demonstrated by the returnees and the efforts being made to support their reintegration. The engagement also underscored the value of direct interaction with beneficiaries in understanding the practical outcomes of reintegration interventions and identifying areas where further support may be required.
For PCI, the visit reaffirmed the importance of a person-centred approach to reintegration—one that recognises the dignity of returning migrants, builds on their strengths and supports their transition towards independence and meaningful participation in society.
PCI Presents Appreciation Plaque to DCR
On 25 September 2026, Comr. Osita Osemene, on behalf of Patriotic Citizen Initiatives, presented an appreciation plaque to the DCR delegation in recognition of their visit, engagement and continued partnership and support for PCI's return and reintegration work.
The presentation symbolised PCI's gratitude for the relationship between both organisations and their shared commitment to supporting returning migrants through collaborative, practical and sustainable interventions.
The plaque carried a message reflecting the spirit of the partnership:
“Together, we make a greater impact.”
The message captures the shared understanding that effective reintegration requires strong partnerships, coordinated support and a collective commitment to creating opportunities for returning migrants to rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence.
PCI appreciates the continued engagement and support of the Dutch Council for Refugees and recognises the importance of such partnerships in strengthening the delivery of return and reintegration services.
Strengthening Partnerships for Lasting Impact
The engagement marked another important step in strengthening the collaboration between PCI and the Dutch Council for Refugees. Beyond reviewing ongoing interventions, the visit created space for mutual learning, experience-sharing and discussions on how existing approaches can be strengthened to respond more effectively to the needs of returning migrants.
As migration and reintegration interventions continue to evolve, PCI remains committed to promoting safe migration, supporting the protection of vulnerable groups and facilitating sustainable reintegration through counselling, case management, psychosocial support, skills development and livelihood initiatives.
Through its collaboration with DCR and other relevant stakeholders, PCI seeks to contribute to reintegration pathways that enable returning migrants to rebuild their lives, strengthen their economic resilience and become active contributors to their communities.
Patriotic Citizen Initiatives (PCI) looks forward to sustaining and deepening its partnership with the Dutch Council for Refugees to advance safer migration, sustainable reintegration, and stronger communities.
Together, we can help returning migrants turn new beginnings into lasting opportunities.
