Abuja: The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a warning to young Nigerians about the dangers of irregular migration, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and advocacy to protect migrant workers’ rights. Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Mr. Benson Upah, delivered this message during a one-day workshop in Abuja, themed ‘Youth on the Move: Securing Migrant Workers’ Rights in ECOWAS and Beyond.’
According to Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Upah highlighted that although the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol provides rights to mobility, residence, and establishment, there is still a lack of awareness and enforcement, particularly among the youth. He stressed the importance of equipping young Nigerians, whether they are potential migrants or returnees, with the necessary knowledge and tools to advocate for migrant rights.
Mr. Upah further noted that the NLC would continue to engage in activities and collaborate with stakeholders to enhance the capacity of its affiliates and young people in advocating for migrant rights. He expressed gratitude to GIZ for its support and underscored the importance of properly guided migration, cautioning against the risks associated with youth migration.
He remarked on the current global migration landscape, which is marked by increasing hostility towards migrant workers, especially those from developing countries. Challenges such as discrimination, precarious employment conditions, exploitation, and limited access to legal protections are common for many migrant workers. To counter these issues, ECOWAS has developed instruments to promote free movement and migration.
Mr. Upah stated that the event aimed to mobilize youths and young workers to actively advocate for the protection of migrant workers’ rights within Nigeria, the broader ECOWAS region, and beyond. He emphasized the necessity of raising awareness among young Nigerians about migrant workers’ rights and regional protection mechanisms, while also addressing the obstacles young migrant workers face in hostile foreign environments.
NLC Focal Person on Migration, Comrade Eustace James, also addressed the workshop, highlighting the significance of youth involvement in migration policy discussions. He advocated for initiatives like Short Courses on Migration to encourage young Nigerians to engage in discussions on migration themes, promoting a better understanding of migration issues.
Mrs. Sandra Vermuitjten-Alonge, Head of Programme at GIZ-ZME, explained that their organization acts on behalf of the German Development Agency in Nigeria. The program, implemented since 2017, is part of the German Federal Government’s initiatives through the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, aimed at regional development.
The event, organized by the NLC in collaboration with German International Cooperation (GIZ), aimed to celebrate the contributions of young people while addressing issues impacting them.