Irregular migration: Analyst tells FG how to stop exploitation of Nigerian youths

A foreign affairs analyst and expert, Chibuzo Onyema, has explained how the Nigerian government can curb irregular migration and the exploitation of young Nigerians.
In a statement on Monday, Onyema told Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies to establish effective pathways for tackling irregular migration among young Nigerians.

According to him, the move has become imperative as Nigerian youths become increasingly vulnerable to exploitative agents, fraudulent recruiters and trafficking networks.

He explained that skills acquisition alone would not stop young people from embarking on irregular migration unless the skills could be converted into decent jobs, sustainable livelihoods and income-generating opportunities.

Onyema urged the Nigerian government to develop credible labour-mobility channels through which young people with relevant skills could access legitimate employment opportunities abroad.

“Rather than leaving opportunity-seeking youths vulnerable to exploitative agents, fraudulent recruiters and trafficking networks, governments an effective model that can engage destination countries and legitimate employers directly to facilitate verified employment and regular migration pathways,” he said.

“Training must respond to verified labour-market demand, employers must provide apprenticeships and jobs, and governments and destination countries must establish bilateral labour pathways,” Onyema added.