Japa and Security: NiDCOM cautions Nigerians against dangers of illegal migration overseas

*Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, highlights recent life-threatening situations regarding illegal and dangerous migration abroad

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Against the backdrop of reported “life-threatening situations” abroad, the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has warned Nigerians against embarking on illegal and dangerous migration to foreign lands.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NiDCOM, noted this while speaking on the dangers of irregular migration as a distinguished speaker at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Human Rights Institute’s National Dialogue to commemorate International Human Rights Day 2025, in Abuja, FCT.

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Highlighting some risks involved in embarking on such journeys, Dabiri-Erewa affirmed that over the past few years, some Nigerians willingly, had travelled, and entered into life-threatening situations overseas.

The Chairman of the Commission, however, disclosed that NiDCOM and the NBA Human Rights Institute are actively helping stranded Nigerians.

She stated: “In Iraq alone, there are over 7,000 (Nigerians) stranded.

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“They are looking for hope. Citizens often underestimate the dangers of illegal migration.”

Dabiri-Erewa, therefore, urged Nigerians to invest in opportunities at home.

The NiDCOM Chief Executive said: “The grass is not greener on the other side. The grass is greener where you water it.”

Why Nigerians underestimate dangers of illicit migration abroad

Buttressing her points against irregular and risky migration further, she related a recent case of a young woman, who returned from Libya after using funds intended for medical care to finance her illegal journey abroad.

Dabiri-Erewa noted: “She paid around N2.5 million to travel illegally to Libya despite lacking medical care at home, this money could have been used for better purposes.

“She came back with nothing. Such cases illustrate why advocacy and preventive measures are crucial.”

Besides, NiDCOM Chief Executive, in her address at the event, shed more light on the extreme dangers of migration routes, revealing that 1 in 24 migrants risks being killed in Libya.

She also said that NiDCOM and its partners were working to repatriate 10,500 children stranded abroad.

Dabiri-Erewa equally wondered why some Nigerians willingly, would put themselves in such hazardous situations in the name of migrating abroad.

Legal migration with proper documentation and livelihood opportunities is acceptable, she averred.

Some measures to prevent future cases

In further enlightenment of the citizenry, Dabiri-Erewa advocated a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to prevent future cases through collective advocacy.

According to her, collaboration, advocacy, and creating safe opportunities within Nigeria were essential to protect citizens, reduce illegal migration, and nurture the country’s development.

According to NiDCOM in a statement, she as well highlighted the need to safeguard diaspora communities from exploitation, trafficking, and discrimination through collaborative efforts with NBA.

Dabiri-Erewa stressed that violations, such as “arbitrary detention, gender-based violence, and economic disenfranchisement undermine society.”

She urged leaders to “prioritse accountability and protections for vulnerable groups”, including women, youth, and migrants, reinforcing that human rights are not privileges but essential guarantees to be enforced daily.

Speaking on the International Human Rights Day, Sabastine Anyia, NBA 1st Vice-President, urged all stakeholders, including leaders, institutions, law enforcement agencies, communities, and citizens, to share the responsibility of ensuring security in Nigeria.

Anyia urged members of the Bar to speak out when silence prevails, act when action is difficult, and stand firm when standing becomes lonely.

The NBA top official also challenged Nigerians to envision a country where children could walk freely, young men and women move safely, farmers work without fear, and citizens were protected from violence.

He quipped: “That Nigeria is possible. But it demands unyielding, unwavering, unapologetic commitment.

“Are we as a unit ready for that?”

Anyia also stressed that observance of the International Human Rights Day should renew the country’s commitment to justice and human rights.

He added: “May we commit to building a Nigeria where human rights are protected in our laws, practiced in our streets, and preserved in our hearts.

“A Nigeria where security is a guarantee for all. May our collective courage shape the Nigeria we deserve.”

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