The Federal Government has cautioned Nigerians against embarking on illegal migration saying such could result into a ripple effect that will leave everlasting trauma on such migrants.
The chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, gave the advice at the 2024 Conference and 6th National Discourse of The Companion (an association of Muslim men in business and other professions) with the theme “Between Patriotism and Self-Preservation” which was held in Abuja over the weekend.
Speaking on the topic “Dilemma of the Nigerian Youth: Challenges at Home, Uncertainties Abroad”, Dabiri-Erewa stated that while migration is legal and not new as witnessed during the time of Prophet Muhammad (may the peace of Allah be upon him), she said many youths who migrated illegally and are deceived of better life face exploitation, discrimination and harsh living conditions in foreign lands only to return with harrowing tales of their experiences abroad.
“For those who venture beyond our borders, the journey is fraught with uncertainties. Many young Nigerians face exploitation, discrimination and harsh living conditions in foreign lands. The promise of a better life often turns into a struggle for survival, with stories of hardships and abuse becoming all too common.
“Some Nigerian youth have embarked on dangerous journeys to abroad in search of greener pastures, with fantasies of a rosy life abroad, only to return with harrowing tales of their experiences.
“The unfortunate part is some of them do not live to reach abroad and tell the story, as they end up trafficked, exploited, attacked (as in the case of the South Africa xenophobia crisis), severely sick due to poor accommodation and harsh climatic conditions, in a new country or in extreme cases, end up dead. In addition, there is the expectation from family and friends back home which creates added pressure, making it a struggle to survive.
“Irregular migration, which is often referred to illegal migration, poses significant risks to our youth. Without legal documentation, many find themselves vulnerable to exploitation, human trafficking, and severe human rights abuses. The lack of legal protection often means that they work in dangerous and degrading conditions, far removed from the opportunities they sought.
“Racism remains a profound challenge for Nigerians abroad. Discrimination based on race can limit access to employment, housing, and even basic services. This not only affects the mental and emotional well-being of our youth but also hinders their ability to integrate and thrive in their host countries,” the NiDCOM boss, who was represented by Abdulrahman Terab, NiDCOM’s Head of Technology, Transfer and Innovation stated.
She, however, added that while NiDCOM is actively working to engage the Nigerians in Diaspora in meaningful ways by fostering stronger connections between Nigerian professionals abroad and those at home by leveraging on their expertise, resources and networks to create positive impression of patriotism, she said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has placed youth empowerment and employment at the forefront of its agenda.
She stated the President recognises that the future of Nigeria hinges on the success and well-being of its young people and has thus come up with initiatives such as the National Youth Employment Action Plan, Education and Skills Development and the Social Support Systems among others to engage them.
The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who was the chairman of the occasion, expressed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to enact relevant laws that will make Nigeria conducive for her youths to remain in the country as well as working with the Executive to create an enabling environment for the youths to reach their career goals.
“Let me use this opportunity to reiterate that the 10th National Assembly under our great leader, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, is committed to enacting relevant laws that will make Nigeria conducive for our youth to remain here and contribute to national development. I assure you that both the Legislature and Executive are working together to create opportunities for our teeming youth to reach the zenith of their potential in life.
“I will also ensure that given my position as the first Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, we shall have seamless legislations that will promote the socio-economic well-being of the people of our sub-region, especially the youth.”
The Minister of State, Youth Affairs, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, in his keynote address, urged the youths to be forward-looking and be solution providers saying they should be involved in more research works.
The National Amir (President) of The Companion, Engr Kamil Olalekan, earlier in his welcome address, called on all government political office holders to be at the forefront of national patriotism by prioritising production and consumption of made in Nigeria goods and services to boost youth employment, empowerment and development.
