Daud Olatunji
Prominent stakeholders led by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), and Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have counseled Nigerian youths against the allure of irregular migration.
The stakeholders spoke in a virtual gathering hosted by No Dull Moment in Islam (NDMI), stressing the importance of patriotism and legitimate travel for self and national development.
Dabiri-Erewa, speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, highlighted the detrimental effects of irregular migration, emphasizing that many Nigerian youths leave the country under false pretenses, with no intention of returning to contribute positively.
She underscored the grave consequences, including exploitation, loss of life, and the squandering of family resources, experienced by those who embark on such journeys.
She emphasised the fundamental right of individuals to migrate but stressed the need for careful evaluation and justification before making such a decision.
Drawing from the experiences of NIDCOM, she revealed the staggering number of stranded Nigerians repatriated from various countries, a testament to the harsh realities faced by many migrants.
She recalled how the Commission alongside other agencies of government have facilitated the return of over 10,000 stranded Nigerians from Libya alone, as well as from Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Lebanon, Germany among others.
On the governmental front, Dabiri-Erewa assured the audience of the administration’s commitment to implementing reforms aimed at creating more job opportunities and boosting the economy, thereby reducing the desperation that drives many youths to seek opportunities abroad.
Echoing her sentiments, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede delved into the Islamic perspective on migration, advocating economic advancement and knowledge transfer within the community.
He emphasized the need for collaboration between government agencies to curb irregular migration, reduce brain drain, and encourage diaspora investment in Nigeria’s economy.
Additionally, participants discussed leveraging the diaspora to bolster the country’s economy and security, acknowledging the challenges of changing mindsets and promoting their message.
They called on the government to provide an enabling environment for returnees to thrive, including removing financial and bureaucratic hurdles for professionals seeking to bring their expertise back to the country.
In his welcome address, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the Coordinator of NDMI, reiterated the platform’s commitment to championing issues of national cohesion and development, ensuring that resolutions from their gatherings are conveyed to relevant agencies for implementation.
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