PCI Hosts Swedish Delegation on Study Visit to Strengthen Understanding of Migrant Protection and Shelter Services

On 24 June 2026, Patriotic Citizen Initiatives (PCI) had the honour of hosting a high-level Swedish study delegation at the PCI Male Shelter in Lagos State as part of a study mission to Nigeria facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The visit formed part of the delegation's efforts to gain first-hand insights into Nigeria's migrant protection landscape and to better understand community-based approaches to supporting vulnerable migrants.

The two-hour field engagement provided an opportunity for the delegation to observe the day-to-day operations of the PCI Male Shelter and learn more about the comprehensive protection services provided to stranded migrants, returned migrants and other vulnerable individuals under PCI's care. The visit also highlighted the important role of civil society organisations in complementing national protection mechanisms through shelter management, case management, psychosocial support, referrals and sustainable reintegration interventions.

The delegation was warmly received by Mr. Osita Osemene, Executive Director of Patriotic Citizen Initiatives (PCI), who delivered a comprehensive presentation on PCI's operational model and institutional approach to migrant protection. He outlined the organisation's operational workflow, beginning with beneficiary identification and referral, vulnerability screening, case management, temporary shelter, psychosocial support, healthcare referrals, livelihood interventions and ultimately sustainable reintegration or assisted voluntary return where applicable.

During the interactive session, Mr. Osemene also highlighted PCI's long-standing collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), emphasizing how these partnerships have strengthened protection pathways for vulnerable migrants while ensuring that assistance is delivered in line with national and international protection standards. He further discussed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in providing holistic support that restores dignity, promotes resilience and reduces vulnerability among migrants and trafficking survivors.

A major highlight of the visit was the opportunity for members of the Swedish delegation to engage directly with beneficiaries residing at the shelter. Through open and respectful conversations, beneficiaries shared their migration experiences, the challenges they encountered during their journeys and the positive impact that PCI's shelter services, counselling, livelihood support and case management have had on their recovery and reintegration journey. These personal testimonies provided valuable insights into the realities faced by vulnerable migrants while demonstrating the transformative role that protection-focused interventions can play in rebuilding lives.

The visit offered an important platform for knowledge exchange, allowing both PCI and the visiting delegation to discuss emerging trends in migration management, protection challenges and opportunities for strengthening collaboration in support of vulnerable migrants. It also reinforced the value of learning exchanges in promoting evidence-based programming and enhancing international cooperation on migration governance.

Patriotic Citizen Initiatives remains committed to providing safe shelter, comprehensive protection and sustainable reintegration support for vulnerable migrants while working closely with government institutions, international organisations and development partners to strengthen Nigeria's protection system.

PCI expresses its sincere appreciation to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for facilitating the study visit and to the Swedish delegation for their keen interest in learning from Nigeria's experiences in migrant protection. Such engagements continue to foster mutual learning, strengthen partnerships and advance shared commitments to protecting the dignity, rights and well-being of migrants and other vulnerable populations.