Agency calls for enabling environment to discourage irregular migration

The Nigerian government has been urged to provide social amenities, job opportunities and enabling environment for Youths in order to discourage them from risking their lives in search of greener pastures abroad through illegal migration.

The President of Global Migration Research Institute (GMRI), Dr. Williams Azuma Ijoma made the call at a national workshop on migration in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The workshop on Migration with the theme: “Tackling Migration as a Diverse Problem for Sustainable Growth and Social Progress” was oraganised by GMRI in collaboration with Universal Migration Enlightenment Center (UMEC)

Dr. Ijeoma said that migration can only be tackled effectively when the root causes are addressed.

“We need to focus on addressing the root causes of migration. Economic disparities, political conflicts, environmental degradation, and lack of opportunities drive people to migrate in search of a better life. To tackle these underlying factors, the Nigerian government should prioritize sustainable development and inclusive growth. By creating an environment that fosters economic opportunities, social equity, and environmental sustainability, we can reduce the desire or need for individuals to migrate,” Dr Ijeoma said.

According to him, migration in all its dimensions has emerged as a complex challenge that is affecting nations worldwide and the way forward to addressing it is through partnership.

“It is vital that we establish partnerships and strengthen cooperation with other nations and international organizations. Migration is a global issue that requires collective action and joint responsibilities. By enhancing collaborations, we can share experiences, best practices, and resources, leading to more effective migration management. This includes promoting dialogue and cooperation with destination countries to ensure the well-being and rights of Nigerian migrants, as well as engaging with international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), he noted.

Dr. Ijeoma further explained that the essence of the workshop was to enlightened the youth on the dangers associated with illegal migration.

“We have cabals who derive joy in exploiting young ones. Some of them fall victims to sex addict and organ harvesters. Alot of them die in the desert and the high sea. I have seen skeleton in the desert. Some of them run out of water and food after a few weeks and they die of starvation. Out of a hundred people that travel illegally, only ten enter successfully,” he explained

In hes lecture, the Acting Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Wuraola Adepoju , represented by the Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Ngozi Odikpo, advised youth who want to seek greener pastures abroad to do so through legal means.

She also identified search for greener pastures, among others as reasons for migration.

“Know it that if you are going somewhere on a visitor’s visa, this visa does not allow you to pick employment, if you do so that’s wrong so do not be deceived. Irregular migrants are at risk of becoming victims of human trafficking, sexual exploitation maltreatment by employers such as been subjected to low wages or slavery, and because their stay is irregular, they cannot complain, whatever peanut they are paid they take it without complain,” She explained.  

The Executive Secretary, Universal Migration Enlightenment Centre, Mr. Barth Ikiebe, called for support and collaboration with Stakeholders to enable the coalition groups extend the campaign to all the nooks and crannies in Nigeria.

Other Speakers from the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Space Research and Development Agency, National Orientation Agency, National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria’s Diaspora Commission and National Rebranding Team, also emphasized the need for all to desist from irregular migration, but embrace legal means of migration, which is more acceptable.

Other highlights of the event include presentation of Certificate and award to participants who have equip the youth with digital innovation skills.