Senator Ned Nwoko has called on the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to design effective strategies to curb the rising number of desperate Nigerians embarking on perilous journeys across deserts and seas in search of better opportunities abroad.
Speaking in Abuja, Nwoko expressed concern over the growing trend of irregular migration, describing it as a national embarrassment that has led to countless deaths and tarnished Nigeria’s image internationally. He said it was time for the government, through the Immigration Service, to take decisive action to stem the tide of illegal migration by creating stronger awareness and enforcing stricter border control measures.
The lawmaker, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, lamented that thousands of young Nigerians risk their lives daily through illegal routes to reach Europe, often falling prey to human traffickers and other criminal networks.
“It is heartbreaking to see how many Nigerians, especially the youth, embark on dangerous journeys across the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea, hoping for a better life, only to end up dead or enslaved,” Nwoko said. “We must act now to prevent further loss of lives and protect our national dignity.”
He urged the Nigeria Immigration Service to work closely with relevant government agencies, foreign missions, and civil society organizations to create awareness about the dangers of illegal migration. According to him, public enlightenment campaigns targeting rural communities, where traffickers often recruit victims, could go a long way in reducing the menace.
Nwoko also emphasized the need for economic reforms and job creation to address the root causes of migration. He said that as long as poverty and unemployment remain widespread, many young Nigerians will continue to seek greener pastures abroad, even at great personal risk.
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“The problem is not just about border control but also about hope. We must give our youths a reason to believe that they can succeed here at home,” he stated.
The senator commended the efforts of the Nigeria Immigration Service in combating human trafficking and irregular migration but urged the agency to strengthen its intelligence operations and tighten security at exit points. He suggested increased collaboration with international partners to track and dismantle human smuggling rings that operate within and outside Nigeria.
Nwoko further called on the National Assembly to review existing laws on migration and human trafficking to ensure stiffer penalties for offenders. He said such measures would serve as a deterrent to those involved in illegal recruitment and trafficking syndicates.
He concluded by appealing to young Nigerians to desist from irregular migration and focus on exploring opportunities within the country. “There is hope for a better Nigeria,” he said. “Our collective effort must be directed at building a nation where every citizen can thrive without risking their lives in search of survival abroad.”
Nwoko’s remarks come amid growing concern over the alarming number of Nigerians who die annually on migration routes, prompting renewed calls for government action to address the crisis.