Deadline: May 6, 2022.

Despite significant efforts by the Federal Government of Nigeria, intergovernmental organisations and civil society to protect victims from these risks, still today, many migrants fall prey to traffickers and smugglers due to a lack of information about safe alternatives to irregular migration. Trusted and accurate information, knowledge sharing and awareness-raising are powerful tools to help potential migrants make informed and life-saving decisions.

Media have an influential role in shaping public opinion about migration as Nigeria continues to be a country of origin, transit, and destination of migrants. Nonetheless, fake news, misinformation and stigmatisation have been witnessed before and during the pandemic, making the role of evidence-based journalism even more essential.

The EU-IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration is organising a reporting migration competition in West and Central African countries to foster quality reporting on reintegration and protection of migrants. Nigeria is participating in this competition.

This initiative is based on a “solutions journalism” approach, which aims at identifying and responding to key social issues. The goal of this journalistic approach is to:

• Tell migration stories in a balanced and ethical way.
• Share accurate information to help communities and families to support migrants in making informed migration choices.
• Share fair stories that can contribute to upholding the dignity of migrants worldwide.

ELIGIBILITY

Participants must be:

• 18 years old or above
• Nationals or resident of Nigeria
• The competition is open to journalists from all media houses or freelance professionals.
• Entries must have a geographic focus on Nigeria.
• The articles of reports must be in English.
• Prior to submission, an entry must be published or broadcast through a media outlet (in print, online, or on air). The articles or reports must have been published or aired on the media outlet between July 2021 and February 2022.
• Entries must have a thematic focus on any of three above-mentioned areas.

To participate in this competition, journalists are invited to submit their published print, online or broadcast items (radio or video) on the below thematic areas:

• Irregular migration, return and reintegration
• Migrant protection
• Migrants with vulnerabilities 

BENEFITS

Journalists will compete for a share of USD 6,000. The cash prize will be distributed as follows: 

• Print
• 1^st Place: USD 800
• 2^nd Place: USD 500
• 3^rd Place: USD 300
• Radio
• 1^st Place: USD 800
• 2^nd Place: USD 500
• 3^rd Place: USD 300
• Television
• 1^st Place: USD 800
• 2^nd Place: USD 500
• 3^rd Place: USD 300
• Online
• 1^st Place: USD 800
• 2^nd Place: USD 500
• 3^rd Place: USD 300

The winning submissions will also have their pieces republished on a media partner’s platform.

OFFICIAL LINK