The Federal Government has renewed its warning against illegal migration, urging Nigerians, particularly young people, to shun dangerous journeys through the Sahara Desert and across the Mediterranean Sea in search of opportunities abroad.
The caution was issued by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, during a meeting in Abuja with George Emmanuel, a Nigerian who survived the treacherous irregular migration route through the Sahara Desert and a fatal boat accident in the Mediterranean.
According to the Ministry, Emmanuel recounted his harrowing experience, including a boat capsizing incident that claimed the lives of 28 migrants, underscoring the grave dangers associated with irregular migration.
Ebienfa commended Emmanuel for turning his ordeal into an advocacy campaign, using his experience to discourage others from embarking on similar perilous journeys through the Sahara Desert or attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in unsafe boats.
The Ministry expressed deep concern over the devastating human cost of irregular migration, noting that many Nigerians continue to lose their lives or suffer severe physical and psychological trauma due to exploitation by human traffickers and smugglers, harsh desert conditions, abuse in transit countries, and deadly sea crossings.
It reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling the root causes of irregular migration by creating more economic opportunities within Nigeria, strengthening border management, intensifying efforts against human trafficking and migrant smuggling syndicates, and promoting safe, orderly and regular migration channels in collaboration with transit and destination countries as well as international organisations.
The Ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting distressed Nigerians abroad through voluntary return programmes, consular assistance, psychosocial care and sustainable reintegration.
While appreciating Emmanuel for sharing his experience, the spokesperson wished him continued recovery and success in his advocacy efforts.
The Federal Government appealed to Nigerians to verify migration information carefully and resist the false promises of illegal migration, stressing that such journeys often end in exploitation, suffering or death.
