The Nigeria Immigration Service has expressed serious concern over the growing number of Nigerians losing their lives in Europe and America due to irregular migration and migrant smuggling in search of better living conditions.
Comptroller-General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, made the call during a nationwide Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Sensitisation Campaign held on Thursday at the NIS Headquarters in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
She appealed to residents of the state to shun illegal migration, warning that it often leads to “tales of sorrow, avoidable anguish and death.”
Nandap urged the people to partner with the Federal Government in intensifying awareness campaigns against the menace, stressing the importance of community involvement. According to her, parents and guardians must take it as a responsibility to educate their children and loved ones about the dangers associated with illegal migration.
Illegal migration from Nigeria has remained a pressing national challenge, driven largely by economic hardship, unemployment, and the perception of better prospects abroad. Many young Nigerians consider irregular migration a means of survival despite the grave risks, including human trafficking, violence, and perilous journeys through land, sea, and air routes to destinations in Africa, Europe, and North America.
Speaking on the theme, “Say No to Migrant Smuggling,” Nandap—represented by Samson Joseph—lamented that many Nigerians who travel illegally end up being exploited, with women particularly vulnerable to rape and other forms of sexual abuse.
She clarified that the Federal Government is not against Nigerians travelling abroad for legitimate reasons such as studies or permanent residence, but stressed that such travels must follow due process.
“Some people prefer taking illegal routes when travelling because they do not want to spend money or follow due process. This attitude often leads to disastrous consequences,” Nandap said.
“There are proper steps to take before travelling abroad: obtain a valid passport from the Nigeria Immigration Service, secure a visa, and be sure of your destination. Most importantly, avoid fake travel agents who can mislead or exploit you,” she added.
In her remarks, the Ogun State Comptroller of Immigration, CIS Olufunke Odusote—represented by Deputy Comptroller Kayode Adedigba—said the Command has strengthened efforts to curb illegal migration and migrant smuggling in the state.
Odusote identified social media as a major driver of the problem, noting that many unsuspecting Nigerians are deceived by fraudulent agents and fake job offers online despite ongoing enlightenment efforts. She disclosed that the Ogun State Command is working closely with other security agencies, including the Police and the Amotekun Corps, to tackle the challenge.
“There is no real freedom outside Nigeria. We are not discouraging people from migrating, but we are urging them to travel legally. Many Nigerians abroad are subjected to forced labour, prostitution, rape, and even death. Why not remain in Nigeria, where you have freedom and dignity?” Odusote said.
“The Federal Government is working tirelessly to end this illegal migration crisis, and we believe positive results will soon be achieved,” she added.
The sensitisation campaign also featured community outreach programmes aimed at educating residents about the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of lawful travel.
The desire to relocate abroad remains particularly strong among young, educated, and middle-class Nigerians, with destinations such as the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada increasingly popular for education and employment opportunities.
While the government acknowledges citizens’ right to seek better opportunities abroad, it continues to urge Nigerians to do so through legal and approved means to avoid exploitation, hardship, or death.
