By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government has renewed its warning against illegal migration through dangerous routes such as the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea, urging Nigerians, particularly young people, to avoid risking their lives in pursuit of irregular migration.
The warning was conveyed by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, during a meeting on Friday with George Emmanuel, a Nigerian who survived the perilous journey through the Sahara Desert and a deadly boat accident in the Mediterranean.
According to the Ministry, Emmanuel recounted his harrowing experience during the irregular migration journey, including a boat capsize that claimed the lives of 28 people.
Ebienfa commended Emmanuel for turning his ordeal into an advocacy campaign against illegal migration, noting that his efforts to educate others about the dangers of crossing the Sahara Desert and attempting to reach Europe through unsafe Mediterranean sea routes would help save lives.
The Ministry expressed deep concern over the increasing human cost of irregular migration, stating that many Nigerians continue to lose their lives or suffer exploitation by human traffickers and smugglers, endure harsh desert conditions, face detention and abuse in transit countries, or perish during dangerous sea crossings.
It reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling the root causes of irregular migration through expanded economic opportunities, stronger border management, intensified efforts against trafficking and migrant smuggling networks, and collaboration with destination and transit countries as well as international organizations to promote safe, orderly and regular migration.
The Ministry also reiterated its support for the voluntary return, protection, psychosocial care and sustainable reintegration of distressed Nigerian migrants abroad, adding that Nigerian diplomatic missions remain available to provide consular assistance to citizens in need.
Ebienfa thanked Emmanuel for sharing his experience and wished him a full recovery and success in his advocacy efforts.
The Federal Government again urged Nigerians to verify information carefully and reject the false promises of irregular migration, warning that such journeys too often end in exploitation, suffering and tragedy.
