Call for Proposals to Strengthen Migration Governance and Migrants’ Rights

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission in Nigeria has launched a Call for Proposals under the FMM West Africa II programme to promote free movement, migrant protection, and regional integration in the ECOWAS region. Eight projects will be funded with budgets ranging from EUR 50,000 to EUR 100,000, covering up to 100% of eligible costs. Eligible applicants include legally registered non-state actors operating in ECOWAS Member States or Mauritania.

About the Programme

The Call is issued by the International Organization for Migration Mission in Nigeria under the FMM West Africa II programme.

The initiative supports the implementation of the Economic Community of West African States 1979 Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, the Right of Residence and Establishment.

The ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol promotes:

• Regional economic integration

• Mobility across Member States

• Rights of residence and establishment

• Cross-border cooperation

According to the World Migration Report 2024, approximately 70% of migration flows in West Africa remain within the region, highlighting the importance of regional governance frameworks.

Objective of the Call

The primary objective is to strengthen:

• Free movement of persons

• Migration governance

• Protection of migrants’ rights

• Cross-border cooperation

• Gender-responsive migration policies

The call falls under Component III of FMM West Africa II, which focuses on engaging Non-State Actors and Local Authorities to inform and protect migrants while fostering cooperation between border populations.

Eight projects will be selected under this Call.

Thematic Areas

Projects must address one or more of the following areas:

1. Free Movement and Regional Integration

• Advocacy on ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol

• Trainings and sensitisation activities

• Awareness-raising campaigns

• Promoting the right of residence and establishment

2. Cross-Border Cooperation

• Support to cross-border population mobility

• Strengthening coordination between border communities

• Promoting safe and orderly migration

3. Protection of Migrants’ Rights

• Legal awareness and assistance

• Protection of migrant workers

• Access to social protection mechanisms

• Safeguarding rights of returnees and stranded migrants

4. Protection of Vulnerable Groups

Special focus on:

• Women

• Children and youth

• Victims of trafficking

• Stranded migrants

• Cross-border populations

5. Gender, Climate Change, and Migration Nexus

Projects should explore how:

• Climate change influences migration

• Gender inequalities affect migrant experiences

• Gender-responsive actions can improve protection systems

Why This Call Matters

West Africa is one of the most mobile regions globally. Effective free movement frameworks are essential for:

• Economic growth

• Labour mobility

• Regional stability

• Human rights protection

This call strengthens civil society’s role in:

• Monitoring rights

• Informing migrants

• Supporting vulnerable groups

• Advancing gender equality

• Improving migration governance

Funding Information

• Number of projects supported: 8

• Budget per project: EUR 50,000 to EUR 100,000

• Co-financing: Up to 100% of eligible costs may be covered

Budget Limitations

• Staff and office costs (including overheads): Maximum 30% of total budget

• Equipment costs: Maximum 5% of total budget (with justification)

Eligible Expenses

• Salaries proportionate to project involvement

• Office and operational costs

• Goods and services necessary for implementation

• Communication and visibility costs

• Meetings, workshops, and seminars

• Travel and per diem (in line with IOM regulations)

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Legal Status

• Legally registered Non-State Actor

• Operating in one ECOWAS Member State or Mauritania

• Independent from the State

• Non-profit oriented

Eligible Entities Include

• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

• Women’s organisations and movements

• Trade unions

• Employers’ associations

• Traders’ and transporters’ associations

• Media organisations

• Migrants’ and diaspora associations

• Academic institutions

Special consideration is given to women-led organisations promoting gender-responsive actions.

What Makes a Strong Proposal?

Successful applications will demonstrate:

• Clear alignment with ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol

• Strong migrant rights protection approach

• Gender-responsive methodology

• Cross-border cooperation mechanisms

• Measurable outcomes and impact

• Sustainability beyond project duration

Projects should include strong awareness strategies and clearly defined target groups.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organisation:

• Is legally registered

• Operates in an ECOWAS Member State or Mauritania

• Has a non-profit mandate

Step 2: Develop a Project Concept

Your proposal should:

• Address one or more thematic priorities

• Define target populations

• Outline measurable results

• Include gender and protection safeguards

• Demonstrate sustainability

Step 3: Prepare a Compliant Budget

• Request between EUR 50,000 and EUR 100,000

• Respect cost ceilings (30% staff/office, 5% equipment)

• Justify all expenses clearly

Step 4: Submit According to IOM Guidelines

Follow official application instructions provided by IOM Mission in Nigeria.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Exceeding budget ceilings for staff or equipment

• Weak gender integration

• Lack of measurable indicators

• No clear link to ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol

• Vague target beneficiaries

• Insufficient sustainability planning

Strong proposals are evidence-based, rights-focused, and gender-sensitive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many projects will be funded?

Eight projects will be selected.

2. What is the funding range?

Each project must have a total budget between EUR 50,000 and EUR 100,000.

3. Is co-financing required?

No. Up to 100% of eligible costs may be covered.

4. Who can apply?

Legally registered non-state actors operating in ECOWAS Member States or Mauritania.

5. Are government bodies eligible?

No. Applicants must demonstrate independence from the State.

6. Are women-led organisations encouraged to apply?

Yes. Special emphasis is placed on gender equality and women’s organisations.

7. Can equipment costs exceed 5% of the budget?

No. Equipment costs must not exceed 5% unless properly justified within the ceiling.

Conclusion

The IOM FMM West Africa II Call for Proposals offers a strategic opportunity for civil society, academia, and migrant-focused organisations to strengthen free movement governance and migrant protection across the ECOWAS region.

With full funding available and strong emphasis on gender equality, cross-border cooperation, and rights-based approaches, this call empowers non-state actors to play a critical role in advancing regional integration and protecting migrants’ rights in West Africa.