PCI’s Director Partnership Visit to Europe on Achieving Sustainable Reintegration for Return Migrants

From April 7th to 10th, 2025, Patriotic Citizen Initiatives (PCI) actively participated in the Partner Conference on Sustainable Return and Reintegration, organized by the Dutch Council for Refugees and the European Reintegration Support Organisations (ERSO). PCI was ably represented by Mr. Osita Osemene (PCI’s Director), who played a key role in engagements with European and international partners, strengthening collaboration on return migration and sustainable reintegration strategies.

Day One: Stakeholder Engagement and European Policy Dialogue

The first day of the conference focused on engagement with European partners and in-depth discussions on the various European policies and frameworks guiding return and reintegration. Partners from different European countries shared their national approaches and policy structures, providing a comparative lens into how reintegration programs are implemented across Europe. This provided PCI with valuable insights into how European reintegration initiatives are structured, monitored, and evaluated. It also opened opportunities for PCI to align its operational strategy with emerging trends and good practices within the European context.

Day Two: Country Presentations and Interactive Dialogue with Local Dutch Partners

The second day featured presentations from partner countries including Nigeria, Iraq, Guinea, Morocco, Belgium, and Ethiopia, among others. These sessions highlighted the unique reintegration experiences, challenges, and strategies being employed in each context.

A major highlight of the day was the interactive session with local Dutch actors and organizations, where PCI had the opportunity to engage directly with Dutch reintegration partners. The discussions were dynamic and fruitful, with PCI presenting its community-based approach to sustainable reintegration and receiving feedback from local practitioners. These dialogues helped foster mutual understanding, encouraged cross-border collaboration, and showcased PCI’s impact-driven reintegration model.

Day Three: Field Visit to Freedom Restriction Centre, Ter Apel

On the third day, participants visited the Freedom Restriction Centre in Ter Apel, one of the primary reception locations for asylum seekers in the Netherlands. The guided tour provided participants with first-hand knowledge of the shelter’s structure, services, and management system.

During the visit, Mr. Osita Osemene had the opportunity to interact directly with Nigerian nationals residing at the shelter. These engagements were deeply impactful, as he listened to their stories, shared information about PCI’s reintegration support, and offered encouragement. The face-to-face interaction helped build trust and opened dialogue on viable return options and the kind of support they could expect from PCI upon return to Nigeria.

Day Four: Engagements in Amsterdam and Community-Based Counselling

The final day of the visit included a tour of other shelters and centres in Amsterdam, offering further exposure to the conditions and needs of migrants at various stages of their asylum journey. Mr. Osita engaged in targeted sessions with leaders of Nigerian communities in the Netherlands, including the Igbo community, Yoruba community, and the Edo (South-South) community. These meetings were vital in establishing grassroots networks and in discussing how diaspora communities can support the reintegration process back home.

Furthermore, Mr. Osita conducted one-on-one counselling sessions with Nigerian returnees and asylum seekers in different shelters. These sessions focused on their personal situations, legal status, and available support options, especially regarding voluntary return and sustainable reintegration. His empathetic approach allowed for open conversations, and many beneficiaries expressed relief in knowing they had a trusted partner in PCI to support them through their transition.

Summary

The PCI’s participation in this high-level European engagement reaffirms its commitment to promoting dignified, informed, and sustainable return and reintegration for Nigerian migrants. The visit not only strengthened existing partnerships but also opened new avenues for collaboration, learning, and the exchange of best practices. PCI remains steadfast in its mission to support vulnerable populations and to enhance community resilience through effective reintegration solutions.