Dr. Touray was speaking last Friday during the presentation of IT equipment meant for the Secretariat of the National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) on Migration by IOM at the State House ground.
She explained her offices resolve to continue partnering with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and other development partners, in making migration a potential driver for economic growth
“The mission of IOM to present these IT equipment marks yet another important step towards strengthening the migration governance structure of The Gambia and to boost the capacity of the NCM Secretariat to carry out its assigned functions with greater efficiency and effectiveness.”
“We’ve long been looking for this moment when our strive to bring about synergy and complementarity in the implementation of the migration programme is given a giant thrust for a sustained result-based functionality.” She said.
Dr. Touray noted that the coordination launched in November 2019 was a result of a long process of consultation among key government stakeholders working in the domain of migration management.
She explained that the government of The Gambia recognises the contribution of migration and its inextricable linkages with sustained economic growth and sustainable development.
“In observance of our commitment to harnessing the potentials that are embedded in migration, the government of The Gambia has recently spearheaded a national consultation on the review of the implementation of the Global Compact on Migration and has also partnered with the IOM in establishing a strong foundation for migration governance in the country.” she stated.
The vice president on behalf of her office thanked the IOM and all its development partners who, she said, through their efforts were able to unite families that have been separated for a very long time and also for creating many jobs in The Gambia.
For her part, Ms Fumiko Nagano, Chief of Mission, IOM Gambia office, commended government of The Gambia for its continued political commitment to strengthen its migration governance system.
“Today’s donation of equipment to the Secretariat is but only part of the success story on migration governance, the NCM will surely continue to signify. These equipment made possible through the support provided by the UN Peace Building Fund will not only enable the NCM to have an active coordination cell, but would also make further work on strengthening The Gambia’s existing migration governance architecture efficient and effective.” she added.