Abuja: The Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has issued a caution to Nigerians against embarking on dangerous and illegal migration. Dabiri-Erewa made these remarks during her address at the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Human Rights Institute event, which marked the 2025 International Human Rights Day. She highlighted the dangers associated with irregular migration and expressed concern about the increasing number of Nigerians who find themselves in life-threatening situations abroad.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that the commission, in collaboration with the NBA Human Rights Institute, is actively engaged in efforts to assist stranded Nigerians. She revealed that in Iraq alone, there are over 7,000 Nigerians who are stranded, seeking hope and underestimating the risks of illegal migration. She urged Nigerians to consider investing in opportunities within the country, stating, “the grass is not greener on the other side. The grass is greener where you water it.”
The NIDCOM Chairman shared a recent instance of a young woman who returned from Libya after spending funds meant for medical care to finance her illegal journey. Despite the lack of medical care at home, the woman spent approximately N2.5 million on the illegal trip to Libya and returned empty-handed. Dabiri-Erewa stressed that such cases underscore the importance of advocacy and preventive measures.
She further discussed the extreme dangers associated with migration routes, noting that 1 in 24 migrants face the risk of being killed in Libya. Additionally, she mentioned that NIDCOM and its partners are working to repatriate 10,500 children stranded abroad. Dabiri-Erewa questioned why Nigerians willingly put themselves in such perilous situations, emphasizing the importance of legal migration with proper documentation and livelihood opportunities.
Dabiri-Erewa called for a comprehensive approach involving both government and society to address future cases, highlighting the need for collective advocacy. She maintained that collaboration, advocacy, and the creation of safe opportunities within Nigeria are crucial to protect citizens, reduce illegal migration, and foster national development.
Speaking on International Human Rights Day, the NBA 1st Vice President, Sabastine Anyia, urged all stakeholders, including leaders, institutions, law enforcement agencies, communities, and citizens, to share the responsibility for ensuring security. Anyia encouraged members of the Bar to speak out, take action, and remain steadfast in the face of challenges. He envisioned a Nigeria where children can walk freely, young people can move safely, farmers can work without fear, and citizens are protected from violence.
Anyia emphasized that achieving such a Nigeria requires unwavering commitment and challenged the nation to renew its dedication to justice and human rights during the observance of International Human Rights Day. He called for a Nigeria where human rights are protected by law, practiced in daily life, and cherished in the hearts of its people.