Daud Olatunji
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), issued a stern warning to Nigerians intending to travel abroad without proper documentation, emphasizing the growing challenges faced in many countries.
The caution came during her visit to a shelter in Brampton, Canada, where she expressed sympathy for those in difficult situations.
In a statement released on Thursday through the commission’s official handle on X, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit at NIDCOM, highlighted Dabiri-Erewa’s strong message.
The NIDCOM boss discouraged individuals from attempting to travel to Canada without adequate documentation or seeking asylum, stating that the prevailing circumstances make such ventures increasingly untenable.
During her visit, Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged the challenging conditions faced by Nigerians in the shelter.
The statement revealed that the Mayor of Brampton pledged to increase shelter capacity by providing an additional 800 beds, a commitment welcomed by Vivian Eruka, who manages the Bethel food bank and collaborates with shelter residents.
In a show of support, Wale Rabiu, the owner of Matlock bakery, contributed by donating hundreds of loaves of Agege bread to the shelter inmates.
Additionally, Bayo Adedosu, a Nigerian living in Canada and an immigration consultant, offered words of counseling.
Adedosu emphasized the importance of refraining from speaking negatively about Nigeria, urging patience and adherence to the law.
The statement reinforced the perspective that migration is a human rights issue but must be pursued through legitimate channels, cautioning against irregular attempts.
Dabiri-Erewa’s visit and the subsequent events underscore the imperative for Nigerians to prioritize proper documentation when considering travel abroad, given the evolving challenges in various countries.
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