The Journalists International Forum for Migration (JIFORM) has called on the Federal Government to address critical socio-economic factors fueling irregular migration from Nigeria to other parts of the world.
The President, JIFORM, Mr Ajibola Abayomi, who made the call on Thursday in Abuja, congratulated the country for her steadfastness on unity since independence.
Abayomi noted that the nation could not continue to live in the denial of negative consequences of irregular migration, as evident in the millions of Nigerian women and children languishing in slavery abroad.
He also noted that the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) must be strengthened and put on its toes in order to forestall future occurrences.
Abayomi commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his several interventions, leading to the rescue of stranded Nigerians, particularly in the Middle-East and many other nations.
He, however, pointed out that more efforts should be geared towards improving the economy, especially in the areas of job creation, affordable education, improved infrastructure, eradication of multiple taxation and incessant tariff increment on public utilities.
“We commend President Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership for trying to reposition the unstable economy he inherited.
“All hands must be on deck to ensure that government is supported by all to improve migration governance targeted at the avalanche of opportunities in the Diaspora economies.
“Going forward, this is time to encourage purposeful migration of Nigerians abroad in a safe, orderly and regular manner, given the huge revenue being generated from activities of migrants through by both the developed and developing nations.
“It is clear that migration is not a crime, if properly packaged and made to dovetail into realistic policies, which Nigeria should benefit from.
“Let the government empower the office of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to do more on this, in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he said.
According to him, the Federal Government should be mindful of the way tariffs on essential commodities, like fuel, electricity, water and others are being increased.
Abayomi said that the increase was a driver and lead push factor that would encourage desperate migration of Nigerians to other nations, if not addressed.
“In all, JIFORM foresees Nigeria emerging a force to be reckoned with in the global economy, if other various positive efforts of the Buhari-led government being channeled towards economic growth are sustained.
“At the season of independence, Nigerians should continue to close ranks, embrace peace and unity as conditions for paving ways growth of local and foreign investments, ” he said.
JIFORM is a nongovernmental organization, comprising over 200 journalists spread across the world, covering migration issues.
