The Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has issued a stern warning to Nigerian asylum seekers, urging them to pursue legal avenues for migration and obtain proper documentation to avoid potential hardships.
This caution comes against the backdrop of a growing trend known locally as “japa”, where an increasing number of Nigerians are leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
During her visit to a shelter in Brampton, Canada, Dabiri-Erewa expressed sympathy for the plight of Nigerians seeking refuge but emphasized the need for lawful migration. The statement was conveyed by the commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, on Thursday.
In her address, Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the challenging circumstances faced by those without proper documentation, citing the increasing difficulty of the situation in many destination countries.
The NIDCOM boss stressed the importance of adhering to legal processes and obtaining the necessary permits to ensure a smoother transition and avoid potential unpleasant consequences.
The call for legitimate migration echoes concerns over the rising number of Nigerians opting for irregular channels, which not only jeopardizes their well-being but also reflects on the country’s international image. As the phenomenon of “japa” gains momentum, NIDCOM aims to raise awareness about the importance of legal migration and proper documentation to safeguard the interests of those seeking a better life abroad.
See Full Statement:
PRESS RELEASE
CANADA: AVOID IRREGULAR MIGRATION, IT IS NOT WORTH IT- DABIRI-EREWA*
ABUJA: NOV. 23, 2023.
The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NiDCOM) Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged Nigerians travelling abroad to go legitimately, and with proper documentation to avoid unpleasant consequences.
Dabiri-Erewa stated this when she visited some Nigerians in one of the shelters in Brampton, Canada.
The NIDCOM Boss sympathised with their condition and urged others planning to travel without proper documentation, arrive the country to seek asylum, to desist, as the situation is getting tougher in many countries, adding that “ it is just not worth it, more often than not”.
Pastor Vivian Eruka , who runs the Bethel food bank and works with those in Shelters , informed that the Mayor of Brampton promised to make 800 more beds available and shelter.
Mr Wale Rabiu , owner of Matlock bakery donated hundreds loaves of Agege bread to the shelter inmates, while Mr Bayo Adedosu, a Nigerian living in Canada, and an immigration consultant also gave some words of counseling, adding that they should not talk ill about their home country, Nigeria, to avoid future repercussions.
Adedosu equally urged them to be patient and law abiding.
Migration is a human right issue but must be done legitimately and not irregularly.
E-signed
Abdur-Rahman Balogun
Director:Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit,
NIDCOM.