‘…Many Nigerians ignorant of employment laws, norms in host nations’
‘…Over 1, 000 Nigerians extradited from UK, UAE, others in 2024’
…FG must hold countries that violate rights of Nigerians accountable – Diplomat
For individual reasons, including the economic and security challenges facing Nigeria, many Nigerians, especially young people, are desperate to leave the country even through illegal means. BENJAMIN SAMSON this report examines the ordeals of Nigerians living in the Diaspora against the backdrop of recent deportations.
In a record-breaking deportation flight, 44 Nigerians and Ghanaians were forcibly removed from the UK last Saturday, marking a significant surge in immigration enforcement.
According to guardian.com/uk, a British medium, the Home Office, confirmed the action as part of a broader crackdown on immigration, which has seen the deportation of over 3,600 people since the Labour government came to power in July. Deportation flights to Nigeria have been relatively rare, with only four recorded since 2020, and prior flights carrying significantly fewer individuals ranging from six to 21 people.
The recent flight, which saw 44 deportees, more than doubled the numbers seen in previous removals.
Victims’ ordeals
In an interview with a United Kingdom-based newspaper, The Guardian, four Nigerian men were held at Brook House immigration removal centre near Gatwick before their deportation.
One of them, who had been in the UK for 15 years seeking asylum, expressed his distress, “I have no criminal record, but the Home Office has refused my claim.”
Another man disclosed that he had been a victim of trafficking and bore torture scars, yet his asylum claims had also been rejected.
A Home Office spokesperson defended the move, stating that the government was committed to enforcing immigration rules and ensuring that people without legal rights to remain in the UK were returned.
Hate?
Speaking in an interview with this reporter, a Nigerian in the Diaspora, John Unekwu, lamented the poor treatment of Nigerians in different parts of the world.
He said, “Over 1, 000 Nigerians have been deported in a deplorable manner from the United Arab Emirate (UAE), Turkiye and other countries in 2024. From xenophobic attacks in South Africa to police brutality in Ghana, racial discriminations in Europe and America, and modern-day slavery in the Middle East, Nigerians abroad constantly face varied forms of de-humanisation and targeted actions of state and non-state actors.
“There seems to be this hatred for Nigerians in the Diaspora; the moment you say you’re a Nigerian like the case of South Africa or any other part of the world, there seems to be this hatred as people begin to hate you for nothing.
“We’ve heard a series of stories of our people being victimised or attacked simply because they are Nigerians.”
Irregular migrations
However, speaking with this reporter, the president, Global Migration Research Institute (GMRI), Prof. Williams Azuma Ijoma, attributed the ill-treatment and deportation of Nigerians to illegal migration.
He cautioned Nigerians against embarking on illegal migration, noting that many Nigerians have lost their lives in search of greener pastures.
He said, “Migration in all its dimensions has emerged as a complex challenge affecting nations worldwide. From economic disparities and political conflicts to environmental degradation and social inequalities, it manifests in various forms and necessitates comprehensive solutions.
“The Nigerian government has made commendable efforts in implementing policies and initiatives, such as the National Migration Policy and the establishment of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), aimed at combating migration-related challenges.
“However, there are specific areas the Nigerian government and concerned agencies should focus on to address migration more effectively.
“Firstly, we need to emphasise the importance of comprehensive data collection and analysis. Accurate and up-to-date data is essential to understand the patterns, causes, and consequences of migration.
“It will enable us to develop evidence-based policies and programmes that can effectively manage migration flows, protect vulnerable individuals, and allocate resources appropriately.
“Therefore, the Nigerian government should invest in strengthening data collection mechanisms and encourage research institutions to contribute towards a robust knowledge base on migration.
“Secondly, we ought to prioritise the implementation and enforcement of existing policies and laws.”
Likewise, a lecturer in the Department of International Law and Diplomacy, Nasarawa State University, Dr. Hayap James, cautioned youths in the country against irregular migration to Europe and other developed nations, attributing the maltreatment faced by many Nigerians abroad to the menace.
“Migrating abroad without basic skills has serious negative consequences. Nigerians who desire to seek greener pastures abroad must do so within the confines of the law.
“No government encourages irregular migration, but I do understand that it is part of the fundamental human right to move. That is why governments around the world place emphasis on ensuring that whoever desires to move does that within the remit of law.
“Countries want what you have, but they just want you to come legally or documented. And that is why you need registered services like EuroAfrica that are known with the government and regulatory organisations to assist you.
“Such can organise the right pathway for you to travel. But you see when you say Japa (escape), if you go to another country without entering the place properly, you will be ill-treated and the law will find it very difficult to support you. This is why the government is raising it loud and clear that nobody is trying to impeach anyone’s freedom of travel but, you must have something, like a basic knowledge.”
He said that most of the accounts on the maltreatment of Nigerians abroad were not properly documented because the victims most times travelled illegally.
“Now, all the records of ill-treatment that we receive are because most of our people did not properly migrate. If you are documented at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, when you are traveling and you are documented by National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) and we know the employer who is the agent that is taking you away, then if your host mistreat you, we will be able to trace such host but when you travel illegally then it becomes a challenge.”
Insecurity, economy
Commenting on this trend, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Uche Anyawu, said insecurity and economic challenges had caused the spike in irregular migration.
He said, “Migration is as old as human history. In contemporary times and against the backdrop of a globalised world, the phenomenon has taken on a new meaning given the dynamics of air travel, etc.
“Even at that, migration can be divided into two types – legal and illegal. The migration of our people is a consequence of the national economy which is in a perpetual tailspin and spiking insecurity across our national space.
“The government can stem this trend through exertions in the area of securing our people and their properties against all forms of insecurity – banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery.
“The earlier there is a turnaround in the economic fortunes of Nigeria, the better for all. Fix decaying infrastructure and underperforming utilities; an optimally performing economy will go a long way in reducing the ‘Japa’ phenomenon.
Call for action
Anyawu said the appalling situation demands urgent action from the Nigerian government and society to protect their citizens and restore national dignity.
He said, “Beyond knee-jerk reactions, we need long-term solutions that address the root causes of this maltreatment while leveraging the immense potential of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
“Fundamentally, the federal government needs to strengthen its foreign policy and international diplomacy to better engage with and hold accountable countries that violate the rights of Nigerians. Too often, Nigeria adopts a passive, reactive approach when its citizens suffer xenophobic, racist and/or targeted attacks abroad.
“A more robust foreign policy is required, where the government proactively monitors the welfare of Nigerians globally and promptly demands justice from foreign authorities when problems occur. Nigeria’s diplomatic influence, though weakened by years of misrule, can still pressure reluctant regimes to respect international conventions on migrants’ rights.
“Simultaneously, the focus on Diaspora diplomacy as a foreign policy tool should increase. Nigeria has one of the most expansive and talented diasporas globally, constituting key ethnic minorities with political and economic influence in their host societies. By formally recognising and partnering with Diaspora civic groups, Nigeria can coordinate lobbying efforts targeting unjust policies abroad.
“Furthermore, cultural diplomacy programmes showcasing Nigeria’s rich heritage can help tackle the roots of stereotyping of Nigerians as illiterate criminals. Strategic dissemination of Nigerian music, movies, food, and fashion that highlight Nigeria’s creativity and humanity can transform negative foreign perceptions.”
Education
On her part, the Executive Director of Unicorn Academy, an institution that prepares students seeking admission into universities abroad, Ayo Olawande, urged Nigerians seeking greener pastures abroad to equip themselves with knowledge about the country they are going to.
She said, “Finally, education and orientation programmes are needed locally to prepare Nigerian emigrants for securing their rights and dignity abroad. Many Nigerians are ignorant of laws and norms governing employment or police conduct in host nations, dangerously amplifying their vulnerabilities.
“So, for me, ending the recurring indignities inflicted on Nigerians abroad requires both engaging diplomatically with hostile foreign nations and governments, and fixing the foundational problems luring Nigerians into perilous emigrations.
“While seeking justice for immediate cases of abuse is crucial, Nigeria must employ farsighted reforms addressing economic failures, social divisions, police brutality, and corruption that are root drivers. Fundamentally, Nigeria must become a country that values and protects all its citizens – both within and beyond its borders.
“With visionary leadership and concerted national efforts, our country can soon fulfill its enormous potential and command respect worldwide as a source of exceptional human capital, rather than a troubled exporter of vulnerable migrants. The dignity of Nigeria as a great African nation depends on bold reforms ensuring no Nigerian anywhere ever feels compelled to endure maltreatment just for an opportunity to thrive.”
Furthermore, Prof. Ijoma said, “Beyond foreign policy reforms, however, Nigeria must address internal failings that drive its citizens into perilous emigrations and create vulnerabilities abroad. Record levels of poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and state repression are pushing Nigerians to seek better opportunities overseas.
“Nigeria must demand respect abroad by becoming a country that respects the lives and rights of its own citizens. The brazen brutality and extortion of citizens by Nigerian police and state agents foster global perceptions of Nigerians as undeserving of human dignity. By sincerely reforming its police and justice system to serve citizens justly, Nigeria can command greater moral authority internationally.
“In addition, the public messaging by Nigerian leaders, the media, and popular culture must celebrate the country’s Diaspora positively to enhance Nigeria’s stature globally. Nigerians abroad are often labelled with damaging stereotypes like fraudsters, prostitutes, and drug dealers that legitimise their mistreatment.
“Yet, the reality is Nigerians abroad are mostly educated professionals contributing enormously to global medicine, academia, business, and culture. By publicly highlighting successes like Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Chimamanda Adichie; Burna Boy; Davido; Wizkid, and Rema, and other champions in the arts and sciences, music and entertainment, sports and the creative space, Nigeria can inspire more dignified perceptions.”