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Tag: Migration

  • New report reveals 1 in 4 Nigerians wants to migrate

    New report reveals 1 in 4 Nigerians wants to migrate

    The National Bureau of Statistics(NBS), says one out of four individuals between ages 15 years and above would like to leave their communities permanently or at least temporarily.

    The NBS said this in its General Household Survey- Panel (GHS-Panel) Wave 5  2023/2024 unveiled in Abuja on Thursday.

    The report showed that more men aged 15 years and above wanted to leave their communities representing 31. 2 per cent compared to women at 19.3 per cent.

    It said among age groups, 34.5 per cent of people between 20 and 30 years of age would like to migrate.

    “This was followed by those between ages 15 and 18 at 26.9 per cent and those between ages 31 and 64 at 25 per cent.

    “Among people ages 65 and above, only 6.5 per cent said that they would like to leave their communities.”

    The report said that among those who would like to migrate, 35.3 per cent would like to move to Abuja and 26.6 per cent would like to relocate to another country.

    The report revealed that those in the Southern zones predominantly reported that they would like to relocate to another country, while individuals in the Northern zones preferred to move to Abuja or another state.

    The NBS said that nationally, 45.4 per cent of households had at least one former household member who had relocated within and outside the country.

    According to the report, half of those former household members are females.

    The report said that marriage was the main reason why former household members had relocated at 28.2 per cent, followed by those who had gone to live with relatives or friends at 21.2 per cent.

    “This was followed by those who went to look for/start a new job or business at 14.6 per cent .

    It showed that urban households were less likely to have a former household member who had migrated, with a reported share of 37 per cent compared to 49.3 per cent of rural area households.

    The GHS-Panel is  Nigeria’s nationally representative longitudinal household survey which began in 2010 and had implemented five waves of the survey.

    The panel nature of the data enables tracking household-level changes in critical areas of welfare, work, and socio-economic outcomes over time, yielding insights for policy.

  • Explore investment migration for global opportunities, group tells Nigerians

    Explore investment migration for global opportunities, group tells Nigerians

    A global investment group, Henley and Partners, (H&P) has advised Nigerians to explore investment migration for global opportunities.

    According to (H&P) global mobility and financial stability has become increasingly inter-related, Nigerians are being encouraged to consider investment migration as a pathway to securing foreign citizenship and reaping the benefits of visa-free travel.

    This call to action came during an investment migration roadshow in Abuja, hosted by Henley and Partners (H&P), a leading global investment group.

    The event brought together potential investors from across the Nigerian capital city Abuja, offering them an opportunity to explore strategic financial investments in Europe, America, and the Caribbean that can open doors to permanent residency and eventual citizenship in these regions.

    The managing partner of Henley and Partners, Stuart Wakeling, was at the forefront of this message, urging Nigerians to leverage investment migration as a means of expanding their horizons.

    He emphasized that countries in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean offer programs that allow foreign investors to secure citizenship, which in turn provides access to visa-free travel across the globe.

    This opportunity, Wakeling noted, could significantly benefit those looking for a way to protect and grow their wealth while gaining increased freedom of movement.

    The roadshow, designed specifically for high-net-worth individuals in Abuja, presented a wide array of investment opportunities in regions such as the United States, Canada, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean.

    During the panel sessions that featured representatives of these regions, Nigerians were advised to consider investing in first-world economies tor as little as $800,000 or €500,000.

    A move the panelists said would not only guarantee them permanent residency in the short term but also citizenship in the long term.
    “Investment migration offers Nigerians a way to secure their financial future while also gaining the ability to travel to multiple countries without the hassle of applying for visas,” Wakeling explained during his presentation.

    “These programs are not just about getting a second passport; they provide an opportunity for Nigerians to diversify their investment portfolios, protect their families, and gain access to better healthcare and educational opportunities.”

    He added that these programs are particularly beneficial for business owners and entrepreneurs who need to travel frequently for work. With a second passport, they can expand their businesses internationally with ease, taking advantage of global markets that were previously difficult to access.

    One of the highlights of the roadshow was a presentation by Mehdi Kadiri, Executive Vice President of Mercan, an investment firm with a special focus on the Portuguese market. Kadiri made a compelling case for why Nigerians should consider investing in Portugal, a country which according to him has one of the most attractive investment migration programs in Europe.

    He reiterated that through investments in real estate, hospitality, and innovative businesses, Nigerians can secure Portuguese residency, which leads to citizenship after five years. He also highlighted that the Portuguese passport is highly sought after as it grants holders the ability to travel visa-free to 188 countries, including the Schengen zone, the United States, and Canada.

    Kadiri explained, “Portugal offers one of the best pathways for Nigerians looking for a secure, affordable, and reliable route to European citizenship. With an investment in real estate or a qualifying business, Nigerians can gain residency in a matter of months, and after five years, they are eligible to apply for full citizenship without having to live in the country permanently.”

    Also speaking , other panelists including Soibhan Lloyd who is a legal consultant for Range development and Fatma Cayir, founder, Bridge & Partners limited emphasized that this is an especially appealing offer for Nigerians looking to retain their Nigerian citizenship while benefiting from the advantages of holding a European passport.

    While much attention has over the years been focused on the opportunities in Europe, the US and Canada, the Caribbean it was revealed also offers a compelling case for Nigerian investors as it has long been known for their its investor-friendly citizenship programs.
    The group noted that the Caribbean programs are particularly attractive for those seeking a more straightforward and cost-effective route to global mobility.

    “For Nigerians who may not have the substantial capital required for European investment migration programs, the Caribbean offers an excellent alternative,” he said.

    “These programs provide citizenship within a few months, allowing investors to enjoy the benefits of global travel and business opportunities almost immediately” stated Wa-ke-ling.

    Real estate and hospitality options presented at the roadshow were diverse and catered to various investor preferences expected to yield significant returns.

    Nigerians were encouraged to consider these sectors, as they offer stable, long-term income streams while also meeting the requirements for residency and citizenship programs.

    As the world becomes more interconnected, the demand for global migration will continue to grow, especially in countries like Nigeria where economic and security challenges often prompt citizens to seek alternatives.

    Investment migration offers a viable solution for Nigerians who are not only looking for a way to protect their wealth but also for opportunities to expand their business networks and provide a better future for their families.

    Chidinma Okebalama, Senior consultant Nigeria Hensley & Partners and also moderator of the panel sessions concluded the event by urging Nigerians to seize the moment and explore the opportunities presented by investment migration.

    According to her the world is changing rapidly, and those who take action now will be the ones who thrive in the future. Investment migration is not just about getting a second passport; it’s about securing your financial freedom and giving yourself the tools to succeed in an increasingly globalized world.”

    As Nigerians begin to explore these options, it is clear that investment migration will play an increasingly important role in the country’s future, providing a gateway to new opportunities and a brighter future for those who are willing to invest.

  • INTERVIEW: 75% of diaspora remittances are to cover food, medical, education costs – Migration Expert

    INTERVIEW: 75% of diaspora remittances are to cover food, medical, education costs – Migration Expert

    The patterns of migration in Nigeria are diverse and multifaceted. From rural-rural migrations driven by communal conflicts and environmental challenges to rural-urban migrations spurred by the quest for better living conditions, urban-urban and inter-state migrations for better employment opportunities, we learn that the motivations driving migration are as varied as the destinations.

    Understanding these patterns and the diverse factors that shape individuals’ decisions to relocate within and outside the country is crucial to shaping informed policies and strategies that address the root causes and effectively help to manage migration.

    This exclusive interview with Solomon Obanla, a migration expert with over 15 years of experience in the field, shares insight into the patterns and evolving trends of migration within Nigeria.

    What are the key patterns and trends in migration within Nigeria, and how have they evolved over the past decade?

    Migration in Nigeria manifests through diverse patterns. These patterns include rural-rural migration, characterized by the movement between villages either temporarily or permanently; rural-urban migration involving movement from rural areas to towns or cities; urban-urban migration which is relocation within towns or cities, and inter-state migration, involving movement across Nigerian states. Each migration pattern is influenced by a myriad of factors such as communal conflicts rooted in cultural, ethnic or religious differences.  In the case of rural-urban migrations, inadequate infrastructure and the absence of fundamental amenities like water, education, healthcare, and proper roads compel individuals to seek better conditions in urban centers. The allure of employment prospects and an improved quality of life often propel urban-urban migration, alongside motivations tied to marriage or securing a more favourable job location. Inter-state migrations, on the other hand, are influenced by a complex interplay of factors such as security concerns, educational pursuits, employment opportunities, economic considerations, and the impacts of climate change.

    Are there specific sectors in Nigeria where migration has had a more pronounced impact, either positive or negative, and what strategies can be employed to maximize the benefits of migration in these sectors?

    Generally, internal Migration in Nigeria impacts positively on human development. We have seen an increase in the number of enrollments in the educational sector from primary to higher institutions both in rural and urban settlements. There is also measurable improvement in the standard of living of people who move from rural to urban settlements, and people who move from rural to rural settlements are assumed to have a better life expectancy. I can say that internal migration in Nigeria has had a positive impact on the educational sector. According to the National Universities Commission, Nigeria now has 270 universities across the country, as well as several Polytechnics and mono-technics. These higher institutions are owned by federal and state governments as well as private individuals and corporations. Some of these institutions are located in some rural areas in Nigeria thereby improving the standard of living of people in the locations and creating jobs and business opportunities. Also, most of the students in these institutions came from different States across Nigeria, and their migration for study purposes promotes cultural, religious, and ethnic integration and marriages in their destination settlements.

    In some settlements in Nigeria, migration has had a negative impact on the agricultural sector. Land disputes, communal conflict; poor infrastructural developments, lack of basic amenities, and environmental degradation have made many rural settlers migrate to urban areas and this has greatly reduced food production and supply in Nigeria. To maximize the benefits of migration in these sectors, both government and private institutions need to work together in making good economic policies and providing basic amenities and security.

    In your view, how does internal migration impact urbanization and economic development in major Nigerian cities?

     Internal migration (rural-to-urban) impacts both positively and negatively on urbanization and economic development in the major cities of Nigeria. Take Lagos for instance, migration into Lagos has promoted trade flow and employment possibilities for its youthful migrants, thereby, positioning the city of Lagos as the economic, financial, and commercial nerve center of Nigeria. It is said that Lagos’s urbanization started in the 1970s until the 1990s during the oil boom and industrialization. For those decades, even until now, thousands of people continue to migrate to Lagos from rural areas across the country to seek employment and business opportunities. This migration pattern has also led to inadequate physical and social infrastructure, proliferation of informal settlements, overcrowding, increase in crime, and so on.

    What is the nexus between forced migration, conflict, and development within Nigeria and its neighboring regions?

    Armed conflict in Nigeria is the push factor of forced migration. This has forced millions of people to flee from their settlements. Many of them are now internally displaced while others have sought refuge in neighbouring countries. Over the years, Nigeria has been devastated by violent conflicts, mainly from the Boko Haram insurgency in the north-east, banditry and kidnapping in the north-west, and farmer- herder conflict in the north-central parts of the country. Attacks and insecurity, particularly in the north-east, have displaced millions of people, devastated agricultural production and other livelihoods, cut off essential services, and resulted in food insecurity and the outbreak of diseases such as cholera. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Global Crisis Response Platform Nigeria reported that non-state armed groups in the north-east have perpetrated violence, causing a major humanitarian crisis, heightened insecurity, and waves of forced displacement and human rights violations. According to United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 8.4 million people in the north-east were in need of humanitarian services in 2022, of whom 2.2 million were Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs); 1.5 million returnees who lack access to likelihood and essential services; and 3.9 million members of communities affected by the hosting of IDPs, including an estimated one million people who were inaccessible to humanitarian workers.

    The perceived inability of the leadership to solve important issues impacting the nation, such as employment creation, resource allocation, and infrastructure development, exacerbates insecurity in Nigeria. Religion has also played a pivotal role in escalating conflicts in Nigeria and Mali, as evident in the operations of The Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP), Boko Haram and other religiously affiliated armed groups in Nigeria and the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin, the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara in Mali. It is therefore important that the government of Nigeria should guarantee the safety of forced migrants who are willing to return to their ancestral homes. Also, the authorities in Nigeria and Mali should ensure that the rights of refugees and asylum seekers are protected especially by granting nationality/citizenship to refugees who may be unable to return to their places of origin, to avoid a situation of statelessness in reference to the 2017 Banjul Plan of Action on the Eradication of Statelessness.

    How do remittances from the Nigerian diaspora contribute to the country’s economic development and social well-being?

    Remittances from the Nigerian diaspora contribute to Nigeria’s economic development and social well-being many ways. About five million of Nigerians depend on remittances. Every year, about ten million of Nigerians in diaspora send money home to their families either for projects or well-being, and millions of Nigerians benefit from them. Nigerian diaspora make an invaluable contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through remittances and investments. In particular, they contribute to ending poverty and hunger; promoting good health, quality education, clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth; and reducing inequalities.

    Nigerian diaspora send on average US $200 to US $300 home every one to two months. This represents only 15 per cent of what they earn. The rest stays in their host countries. But what they do send can make up as much as 60 per cent of a household’s total income, representing a lifeline for millions of families. Remittances can be costly to send, and technical innovations like blockchain and mobile money might be the solution to keeping costs down. Right now, currency conversions and fees take up about 6 per cent of the total amount sent. That’s double the 3 per cent target set by SDG. In this regard, there’s enormous potential for innovative digital financial services.

    Also, about 75 per cent of remittances are used to put food on the table and cover medical expenses, school fees or housing expenses. In times of crisis, Nigerian diaspora are likely to send more money home to cover family emergencies. The remaining 25 per cent of remittances, representing over US$150 billion per year, can either be saved or invested in asset-building or activities that generate income and jobs.

    What are the key challenges and opportunities associated with international migration for skilled professionals leaving Nigeria?

    Most Nigeria skilled professionals who seek international migration are pushed by circumstances such as toxic work environment, poor remuneration, poor infrastructure, unemployment, layoff, etc. Over the last few decades many African countries have failed to create jobs, despite pursuing structural adjustment policies recommended by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Instead, in many countries including Nigeria, there has been a decline in job opportunities and real incomes. Between 1994 and 2004, the number of workers living on less than a dollar a day increased by 28 million in sub-Saharan Africa. International migration definitely has many complex challenges including brain drain, revenue loss and reduction in the supply and quality of essential services.

    Conversely, opportunities associated with international migration for skilled professionals leaving Nigeria include job vacancies, increase in economic growth, additional sources of tax for host country and remittances for countries of origin, reduction of unemployment new innovations and ideas, favourable economic and cultural impact, improved lifestyle, etc.

    Considering the brain drain phenomenon, how can Nigeria effectively harness its diaspora’s intellectual and financial resources for development?

    International migrants (skilled professionals) from developing countries like Nigeria are generally more likely to stay in their host country than migrants from advanced countries. Some may never return back to their country of origin. The countries of origin of these skilled professionals will have to attract back these emigrants in order to ensure that their fragile economies will be able to maintain enough highly skilled professionals for development. Regaining them can also bring valuable management experience, entrepreneurial skills, and access to global networks. However, experience shows that such efforts have, for most of the time, been fruitless. One way the Nigerian government can alleviate the negative impact of the brain drain is to facilitate the return of its skilled professionals and their reintegration into their home communities and to devise ways of using their skills. The receiving countries can also play an important role in this respect. Use of short-term and project-related migration, as a means of improving the skills of nationals of sending countries can be a very helpful instrument. Bilateral or multilateral agreements can be signed and implemented for this purpose.

    How can Nigeria’s policy framework be strengthened to support sustainable reintegration and development for returnee migrants?

    I think there are no return migration legal frameworks and there is no specific stand-alone policy on return migration. Other migration policies refer to it and there is a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on return and reintegration (an operational document). The 2014 National Policy on Labour Migration (NPLM) has a section dedicated to return migration (FGN, 2015a). The aim of the policy is to facilitate the voluntary return and reintegration of Nigerian migrant workers. The policy condemns forced returns and describes four areas for government action to achieve its objectives on return migration – collaboration between Nigeria and host countries on return and reintegration programmes, ensuring returnees can apply their skills and expertise to the development of Nigeria through reintegration programmes, reducing bottlenecks associated with the registration of companies to incentivize returnees to invest in Nigeria, and more generally creating an environment conducive to attracting the return of Nigerian talents.

    The remit for return policy issues sits with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), formerly known as the National Commission for Refugees, which coordinates return, readmission and reintegration (RRR) initiatives across the other ministries and agencies involved. It is important that government agencies and ministries dealing with the issues of return migrants, and civil society organizations should work in collaboration towards sustainable reintegration and development for returned migrants.

    What role do governmental and non-governmental organizations play in fostering a conducive environment for migration that aligns with sustainable development goals in Nigeria?

    The SDGs’ central reference to migration is made in Target 10.7, which is, to facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies, which is in Goal 10 to reduce inequality within and among countries. Some other targets also make direct connections to migration topics, including labour migration (8.7 and 8.8), international student mobility (4.b), human trafficking (5.2, 8.7 and 16.2), remittances (10.c), migration data (17.18) and more. To foster a conducive environment for migration that aligns with sustainable development goals in Nigeria, the government has a pivotal role to play in creating an environment that encourages citizens to thrive and fulfill their aspirations, thereby reducing the urge to emigrate. The government needs to partner with non-governmental organizations, and private institutions to create more jobs for its youthful population who are potential migrants, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and digital transformation. It is just very essential to create opportunities for the younger population. These efforts are vital in providing the youth with alternatives and reducing the desire to migrate. While there is nothing inherently wrong with migration, individuals also should have a clear purpose and goal when moving to another country.

    From your perspective, what policy recommendations would you propose to ensure migration is a catalyst for sustainable development within Nigeria?

    I would like the government to pay close attention to the issue of irregular migration, human trafficking, and organ harvesting. We cannot also over-emphasize the need for the government to partner with private institutions towards the creation of more job opportunities and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

     

  • Japa: Six Nigerian stowaways rescued off Brazil, Canary Islands

    Japa: Six Nigerian stowaways rescued off Brazil, Canary Islands

    Four stowaways were discovered and rescued by crew members off the southeast coast of Brazil, after spending a harrowing 13 days concealed in a compartment on top of the rudder of a Liberia-flagged ship that embarked from Lagos, Nigeria.

    The federal police confirming their safe retrieval said on Tuesday that the ship left Lagos on June 27 and the four stowaways had hidden in a compartment located in a submerged section of the ship.

    Upon discovery, the four men, who claimed to be Nigerians, were found to be in good health and well-fed, but lacked documentation to confirm their nationality.

    A police official told AFP, “The men rescued claim to be Nigerians, but they did not carry any documents confirming their origin.”

    Meanwhile, in another incident, the Spanish coastguard successfully rescued two Nigerian migrants who had stowed away on the rudder of a ship arriving in the Canary Islands from Togo.

    The migrants were found and brought to safety on Monday night in the port of Las Palmas and were immediately taken to a hospital for evaluation.

    The Guardia Civil police confirmed that the migrants were 19 and 22 years old.

    After being released, they were transferred back to the ship responsible for their return to Togo.

    The port police tweeted, “The migrants were taken to a hospital. They were later released and were transferred back to the ship, which has to return them to their port of origin.”

    Visual evidence shared by the Las Palmas maritime police on Twitter portrayed the precarious situation in which the two stowaways were found.

    The images depicted them huddled on the rudder, beneath the ship’s hull and just above the waterline of the MSC Marta.

    Investigations revealed that the MSC Marta’s last port before reaching the Spanish archipelago was Lome, the capital of Togo, hinting at the point of origin for the stowaways.

    The ship, which had departed from Lagos, Nigeria, on July 2, made a stop in Togo on July 4, indicating that the migrants had remained onboard for at least seven days.

    Under Spanish law, stowaways who do not seek asylum must be returned by the ship’s operator to the port of origin.

    The Canary Islands, owned by Spain, continue to be a popular yet dangerous route for African migrants attempting to reach Europe, given its geographical proximity and significant maritime traffic in the region.

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  • “Japa”: FG moves to safeguard the rights of Nigerian migrant workers

    “Japa”: FG moves to safeguard the rights of Nigerian migrant workers

    The Nigerian Government has launched the revised National Policy on Labour Migration (NPLM) 2020, in a bid to improve migration governance and management in a way that protects Nigerians against exploitation as migrant workers.

    As a source, transit and destination country, managing migration has remained a priority for the government which has taken a firm stance against slavery and exploitation.

    Unveiling the ninety-five-page document in Abuja Nigeria’s capital on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment Kachollom Daju, said managing migration represents a growing challenge as Nigeria occupies an important position in the global migration landscape.

    “Formulation and implementation of labour migration policies and processes globally is a shared responsibility which requires the participation of all stakeholders to ensure efficacy and success”, she said.

    The revised national policy which was approved by Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2022, is divided into seven parts that include chapters that broadly illustrate the Governments’ policy aspirations in certain key areas.

    Daju said one of the benefits of having a functional and implementable migration policy is to promote safe, fair regular labour migration and to harness its benefits for national development.

    Some of the new features of the revised policy relate to safeguarding the rights of migrant workers, including a gender-responsive approach to labour migration and grievance and justice mechanisms.

    It also seeks to combat the increasing challenges of irregular migration, exploitative practices, forced labour, smuggling and human trafficking.

    The Nigerian Government first launched the NPLM document in 2014, with a vision to establish an effective, responsive, and dynamic governance framework for labour migration in the country.

    The policy provided for a periodic review, which informed the initiative led by the Ministry in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and was based on an analysis report on the extent of its implementation.

    The Permanent Secretary said the 2014 edition of the Policy recommended that the Policy be reviewed every three years by the Technical Working Committee on Labour Migration Governance and Management in Nigeria.

    She said this was based on “the need to incorporate emerging global migration dynamics and national realities on labour migration to further strengthen labour migration governance in Nigeria”.

    Daju also appreciated the German Development Cooperation and the International Labour Organisation for their support towards the development of the revised policy.

    The Country Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Vanessa Phala, commended the Nigerian government for its recent approval of the amendment of the labour laws and ratification of ILO Conventions on Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions), Private Employment Agencies and Violence and Harassment.

    This according to Phala demonstrates the commitment of the Government towards attaining the objectives of the Abidjan Declaration towards shaping the Decent Work Agenda across the continent, including through promoting fair and effective labour migration governance.

    “Suffice to state that these frameworks embody provisions of various International Labour Standards aligned to decent work agenda, including through normative provisions that seek to ensure adequate safeguard mechanisms for migrant workers in a bid to facilitate well-functioning labour markets,” she said.

    Nigeria is currently experiencing a brain drain, popularly known as “japa” in Yoruba, due to highly qualified migrant outflows in critical sectors such as Health, IT and Entertainment.

    Yet, many Nigerian migrants are not treated as expatriates, but end up doing menial jobs even though they might have graduate degrees or other qualifications.

    Nigeria’s revised National Policy on Labour Migration is focused on protecting the dignity and security of Nigerians who migrate from the country in search of greener pastures.

  • Migration and thanksgiving – By Hope Eghagha

    In the last five years, and this has increased since 2020 astronomically, youths and middle-aged professionals migrating from (read ‘fleeing’) Nigeria, just to any other place in the world, never to return to ‘that country’, has become fashionable, celebratory, and encouraged. Different organisations have sprung up with the singular objective of facilitating the migration of youths and professionals from Nigeria. Securing the benefits of higher education, rendering professional service have been adduced as reasons for moving. Their choice destinations are the UK, America, Canada, and South Africa.

    Lately, the concept of ‘ja pa’ has taken on more urgency with the terrorism which the ineptitude of the current administration has unleashed on citizens. The young people of the country have taken exception to members of the old guard lording it over them and depriving them of their future. The outpour of popular support for Peter Obi by young people is an expression of that disenchantment. There are reports that some of the young ones abroad flew into Nigeria just to cast their ballot. It is yet to be seen what their anger will translate to in the elections that were done last weekend.

    Getting the Canadian and US visas is a tough exercise, costing applicants both plenty of cash and psychological stress. I have been at the US Embassy a couple of times and have seen how well behaved and righteous my fellow citizens are once they enter the precincts of the ‘holy’ Embassy, while answering questions, and while waiting for any hint of success or failure! It’s like being denied access to heaven, and the Visa officials feel and know their power and abuse it sometimes! Which is humiliating!

    So, less attractive countries like Italy, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, and a few others have been thrown into the ring of destinations. China! China is now favoured by those who do business, good and shady. You will be amazed by the number of Nigerians learning Mandarin! Also, there are too many unscrupulous Chinese men who are willing to do bad business with our equally unscrupulous business men. I love my Nigerian brothers and sisters. They are indeed like MTN – everywhere you go, just like the Igbo in Nigeria who are found anywhere business can be done! Nigerians are found in almost all nations of the earth that can give them a chance to prove their mettle. If there is a business opportunity in the Arctic, you will find a Nigerian. I am almost certain there are Nigerians in Afghanistan and Syria. And perhaps North Korea!

    Often, getting a visa is followed by thanksgiving and celebration in church. I don’t know whether the Mosque welcomes such celebrations. I need to ask. The thanksgiving is invariably followed by prayers for those who have not succeeded in getting the almighty visa, and who must do everything it takes to just leave. Well, it seems a little odd to flee the country of one’s birth, where God has placed a man on account of economic hardship and give God thanks for making the escape possible. Is this not a contradiction? But of course, we live in a world of contradictions, caused by the nature of rulers and political office holders.

    Medical doctors, other health personnel, IT specialists, and now teachers have continued to seek greener pastures in countries that are relatively stable. This reminds me of the mass migration of medical doctors and consultants who emigrated from Nigeria in the 1980s at the peak of the biting effects of Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP). Saudi Arabia was an excellent destination for medical consultants from UCH and other big hospitals. They paid mouthwatering salaries!

    That country! This is pejorative, isn’t it? I am often amused when diaspora Nigerians refer to our homeland as ‘that country! It shows an attempt to detach themselves from the land of their birth, the place they have escaped from with the help of God. It encapsulates the feeling of despair, of lack of faith in the managers of the homeland. Their adopted home becomes the real home and before long they begin to create a pathway for family members to evacuate before the house finally crumbles, before the house caves in.

    Citizens reserve the right to move to wherever they believe that offers them a better opportunity to the good life. We have only one life. Once nature or the socialization process offers one an opportunity to relocate, there is usually no hesitation. But the cause of the disdain which people have for the country is failure of leadership. Not only have the rulers failed to establish a credible and enduring state with institutions and structures, that have not created the right atmosphere that will engender hope and optimism. The atmosphere is polluted with the spirit of exploitation, state roguery, leadership apathy, despair and insincerity. Not even religion has escaped the polluting hands of state power. There is this feeling that the state as currently constituted will not last long. Decay and decadence usually precede the collapse of kingdoms, empires, and states. Nigeria, it is believed, has degenerated into that cesspit.

    Yet all is not lost. IBB openly admitted in the 1980s that he was surprised that the nation had not collapsed. It means that there is something resilient in the Nigerian spirit that will triumph ultimately over the vicissitude of the current season and that the dreams of the founding fathers of the nation will be fulfilled by a new generation of Nigerians who are poised for action. There is cause therefore for hope, for a celebration of the spirit that is Nigeria. When the results of the 25th February election are released, the future path of Nigeria will be sure. And so, the real thanksgiving would be for electing a government that will place the people first before their personal and sectional interests. A government whose policy trajectory would be that of doing things differently! That way, mass migration would be a thing of the past!

  • JUST IN: Pastor Adeboye releases powerful prophecies for 2023

    JUST IN: Pastor Adeboye releases powerful prophecies for 2023

    As characteristics of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye has dropped prophecies for 2023.

    According to Pastor Adeboye, the biggest challenges of 2022 will lead to the biggest testimonies in 2023.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports released the prophecies for the year 2023 as is his annual tradition during a sermon at the RCCG’s Cross Over service.

    The RCCG General Overseer popularly referred to as Daddy GO, also prophesied that the world would be relatively more peaceful in the New Year.

    Pastor Adeboye characteristically categorized his prophecies into World, RCCG Members and Individuals.

    He also said the issue of migration will take a new turn in the new year and the weather pattern will be more eratic, but that it would be nice wherever God’s children are.

    SEE PROPHECIES FOR 2023 BY PASTOR EA ADEBOYE

    INDIVIDUALS PROPHECIES 2023

    1. The biggest challenge of 2022 will lead to your biggest testimony in 2023.

    2. In 2023, the Lord will speak peace to some troubled homes.

    3. In 2023, for quite a few people, there would be restoration of lost glories.

    4. Daddy said this is his favorite prophecy for 2023:  Many trouble makers will lose the ability to make trouble this year.

    5. Few balloons will be deflated this year.

    6. Daddy said this is also his favorite:  There will be a bit of wealth transfer.

    Generally, 2023 is a year of many opportunities.

    2023 RCCG MEMBERS PROPHECIES:

    Please kindly request that from your pastors.

    2023 WORLD PROPHECIES

    The issue of migration will take a new turn in the new year.

    1. The world would be relatively  more peaceful.

    2. The weather pattern will be more eratic, but it would be nice wherever God’s children are.

  • Japa via Libyan route – By Francis Ewherido

    Japa via Libyan route – By Francis Ewherido

    By Francis Ewherido

    It is no longer news that some Nigerians, especially youngsters and professionals, are leaving in droves. I said it a few weeks ago that the world is a global village and everybody has the right to decide where he wants to live. As I said in the article on Japa (relocating from Nigeria), you must have a plan, the right papers, and you must go through the legal routes. Without these, you might be planning for a worse experience than you are fleeing from. We know that for some years now, many Nigerian youths have been trying to get into Europe via Libya. They start this perilous journey by being packed like sardines into vehicles. These Nigerians start dying in Nigeria due to suffocation as a result of overloading of the vehicles.

    The number of casualties increases once they cross into Niger Republic. They die due to the desert heat, dehydration, starvation and gunshots from armed bandits in the desert. They go through unimaginable treatment. They drink their own urine or beg for urine of other migrants to drink to quench their thirst once their water finishes. The menstruating women squeeze their pads and drink their menses to quench their thirst. Reports from migrants inform us that there is a well in the Sahara Desert where dead bodies are dumped. These migrants fetch water from the well with dead bodies to drink. But all these are child’s play. Their woes multiply once they get into Libya. According to them, the Libyans see blacks as subhuman. They are beaten and maltreated. The extortion is massive, some of the migrants who cannot pay are sold as slaves and commodities while some of the women are forced into prostitution. According to some Nigerian Libyan returnees, as many as 20 per cent of the people who started the journey with them never get to Libya or die in Libya.

    A large part of Libya is currently a lawless with the death of their former supreme leader, Col. Muammar Gadhafi. If America had known that Gadhafi was keeping so many mad people in check, they would probably have let him be. The instability in Libya has spread to West Africa. The insecurity currently plaguing Nigeria has a lot to do with the collapse of Libya. It worsened the proliferation of illegal arms in Nigeria.

    The last and major hurdle that migrants face is crossing the Mediterranean Sea to get to Europe. Over 20,000 migrants have perished in that sea over the last 10 years. They embarked on that perilous journey mainly from West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa and Asia. Sometimes as many as 300 migrants can perish in a single boat mishap. Not surprising, many of the victims are Nigerians. And some people are saying they are fleeing from the hardship in Nigeria. Nigeria is tough right now and there is insecurity, but it is nothing close to what the migrants go through in this mindless journey. The insecurity on the Libyan route once you leave Nigeria and the hardship the migrants go through are unimaginable. Before you embark on a journey, you should do some research and ask questions to enable you prepare adequately. Apparently they do not. How can you embark on a journey through the Sahara Desert without basic things like water to drink and clothing to protect you from the element of the weather?

    I have been listening to the tales of woes from the returnees.  Sometimes, you want to slap them. According to one of them, he was a sales boy who “served” (worked for) his master for an agreed number of years. When he was done with his apprenticeship, the master settled him with N5m. That was a lot of money then. Even as at today, if some youngsters get N5m, they can start a small business and grow gradually. He not only had N5m, he had the knowledge necessary to succeed in that field of business. But, when his friends told him about the Eldorado in Europe, greed took over. Why not grow his wealth gradually over time like building a house one block at a time. But his friends convinced him that he can simply get to Europe and blow (become rich overnight)? Anybody who has gone to Europe and America knows there is no such thing. Even our doctors, nurses and other professionals go back to school or training to get certificates and other qualifications before they can get jobs. And that is for those who entered legally and have genuine documents. For others, it is Israelite journey. They do menial or odd jobs and nobody blows by doing odd jobs. Those who blow after a couple of years abroad engaged in illegal or criminal activities.

    Anyway, this migrant and his friends left Nigeria for Europe via Libya. He said as many as 200 of his friends died between Nigeria and while in Libya. What has hardship in Nigeria got to do with this case? This is pure greed. I can never praise the Nigerian governments at all levels over time. They put us in this mess and turned us to a laughing stock all over the world. But this foolish journey can never make senses to me.

    Families get together, sell the family land to enable them to raise money to send their daughters to Europe. Their only qualification is secondary school education and some did not even get certificates; they also have zero skills. What does that tell you? The families are sending them for prostitution. Is that because of hardship in Nigeria? Parents who send their daughters for prostitution are morally bankrupt.

    Nigeria is very tough, I will continue to say it. But trying to japa via the Libyan route is the height of foolishness. If you must Japa, have a plan of what you want to do with your life, prepare adequately and get professional guidance. Serious people who want to japa do so through the airport and fly by air to Europe and America. Africa is an Island and you cannot get outside Africa by road.

    In spite of all the sordid stories of the Libyan route, some youngsters are still warming up to go to Europe via Libya. I watched a video where youngsters were being tutored on the dangers of the Libyan route. I heard comments like, “it will not be my portion in Jesus name,” “those when die na their luck,” “everybody with im own destiny.” There is a proverb that the dog that is destined to go missing does not hear the whistle of the owner at the end of hunting. This perilous route is not worth the effort. The efforts individuals and families are putting into this perilous endeavour might just yield better results here in Nigeria if properly directed. Nigeria is frustrating our youths, but if you feel the only way to realise your dream is travelling abroad, go through the proper and legal channels.

  • To migrants, watery graves, to humanity, a boiling world – By Owei Lakemfa

    To migrants, watery graves, to humanity, a boiling world – By Owei Lakemfa

    TRAGEDY.  Unimaginable tragedy. What is most tragic to me is not the number of migrants including children from the underdeveloped countries that have gone down the sea to watery graves trying to reach Europe. Yes, this year alone, over 1,200 went on a final dip, never to resurface again, or if they did, only as corpses. Last year, 2021, 3,077 of them experienced this excruciating exit from the world, all in the desperate bid for a better or safer life. The previous year, half of that number perished in the seas, not for lack of wisdom but for them, a suicidal attempt to reach Europe is better than the homes they are fleeing.

    The world’s deadliest crossing between the hopelessness the migrants are fleeing from and the hope of making it to Europe where they pray for a better life, is the Mediterranean Sea. This blue sea in ancient times facilitated trade and cultural exchanges amongst the twenty one countries of Europe, Africa and the Middle East that have coastlines on it. This is why many of the migrants take to the sea from countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Syria and Turkey, heading for states like Greece, Italy and France.

    But the most tragic aspect to me is not  the 33,761 persons that the United Nations, UN  reported to have perished between 2000 and 2017. This is more so, when the loss of even one soul in such horrible circumstances is quite tragic. When we include the about 10,000 Latin Americans who due to heat stroke, dehydration, drowning and hyperthermia have since 1994, perished in their attempt to cross to the United States, we would realise that humanity has died many times over.

    But like I said, the number that have gone down to watery graves trying to reach Europe, is not the most tragic. It is not even the attitude of some European countries, which  after the migrants had survived the seas, push them back to the waves in a pointed denial of their humanity. In the last two weeks, the world witnessed the show of might  by the new right wing-government in Italy led by Premier Giorgia Meloni which denied berthing for four ships carrying 1,078 migrants snatched  from the roaring waves. The Ocean Viking carrying  234 rescued souls, Geo Barents with 572, Rise Above, holding 93 lives above the seas and Humanity1 with 179 human beings, were denied safe harbour.

    International pressure and promises by Germany and France that they would receive some of the migrants had made Italy to allow one of the ships, Humanity1 waiting off the eastern coast of Sicily, permission to disembark minors and  the sick. The ship had 100 minors, some as young as seven months on board. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi who announced this, however, rejected the ship’s request  for a safe port to anchor. His argument was that the ships were “islands” under the jurisdiction of the flag countries. Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini took to his Facebook page to gleefully rejoice: “We stop being hostage to these foreign and private NGOs that organise the routes, the traffic, the transport and the migratory policies.”

    Finally, the Italian Government two days ago, allowed the Norwagian-flagged Geo Barrents to berth, extending same to the Rise Above and Humanity1. It, however, disallowed ‘The Ocean Viking’ owned by France’s SOS Mediterranean non-governmental organisation, permission, claiming on Tuesday, that France had agreed to accept the ship. The next day, France denied there was such an agreement insisting that Italy has a responsibility to welcome the ship. Despite these uncertainties, the ship headed for the French island of Corsica hoping that the Macron government will give it shelter. The European Commission which over the last three weeks has been silent, this Wednesday woke up to request any of its members to allow The Ocean Viking berth. More a face-saving statement to claim it was concerned about  the dangers the rescued faced.

    However, these are not the most tragic issues on the migrant crisis. What is most tragic, is Greece attacking migrant boats within its waters and deliberately sinking them. On its land borders, there are survivors who have been attacked, tortured, disposed of their passports and money before being forced into Turkish borders. No, Greece is too smart to be seen or videoed carrying out such deliberate drowning or torture, rather, it hired undocumented migrants as police auxiliaries to carry out these crimes against humanity in its waters or land borders. Videos have emerged showing these hooded auxiliaries known as ‘Shadow Army’ apparently of Asian and Middle Eastern origins, attacking migrants, robbing them before forcing them across the Evros River into Turkey.

    Twenty-two Afghan refugees including women and children have told the world that Greek authorities stripped them naked, seized their belongings including passports, money, and mobile phones and allowed the auxiliaries to complete the job of forcing them into boats into Turkish waters. They claimed that apart from Greek police, there were also other policemen wearing either German or Austrian flag patches who looked on without interfering. The migrants are apparently referring to the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex which works with Greek border police.  The Frontex runs the Rapid Border Operation, RABIT in Evros. The Human Rights Watch Report of June 2021 had accused  Frontex of condoning serious human rights abuses at EU’s external borders.

    Former Greece Finance Minister and current parliamentarian, Yanis Varoufakis, issued a statement confirming the existence of the ‘Shadow Army’ and accusing the EU of committing crimes against humanity. While the issue of the migrant ships were on this week, the attention of the world was turned to the two-week UN Climate Change Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt which began on Sunday, November 6, 2022.  It is a major attempt to reduce the degradation of the environment damaged by years of mindless industrialization which has led to climate disasters including  rising sea levels.

    The objectives include protecting communities and natural habitats, mobilising  finance and working  together to save the world. The Sharm el-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda is to help four billion people adapt to climate change by 2030. While a lot of rhetoric go on, a salutary move, are the talks of  Brazil, Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, three countries with 52 per-cent of the remaining tropical forests in the world, to form an alliance against further deforestation. They called it the “Opec for rainforests” The alliance is drawing inspiration from  Brazil’s President-elect  Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a famous champion of environmental protection.The world is on the boil with climate change, energy crisis, displacement hunger, insecurity  and wars; it is a pandemic only a social justice vaccine can help fight.

  • Exodus of the next generation; time to be concerned – By Dakuku Peterside

    Exodus of the next generation; time to be concerned – By Dakuku Peterside

    Forced migration and its concomitant enslavement of the African was a blight on the world’s collective conscience between the 1500s and 1800s. The repercussions still reverberate through time to the present . Africans are calling for payment of reparations to their motherland by the European powers to date.

    It is paradoxical that the ships of the slave masters were filled with unwilling and forced migrants, brutally repressed and tortured to keep them on board , yet some would rather drown than move away from their motherland and a place they consider as home.
    A friend once told me that if US or UK berths a ship on the shores of Nigeria today and asks young people if they want to leave Nigeria and migrate to their countries on the said ship, the number of people who will voluntarily go on board the ship will sink it. The struggles, fights, and shovelling that will be seen will make “Wrestlemania” look like a child’s play. As sad as this assumption is, statistics back its fundamental realities.

    A recent PEW research survey reveals that about 45% of Nigeria’s adult population plans to relocate to another country within five years. Of the 12 countries surveyed from Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America, Nigerians ranked highest among people who desperately want to relocate to some other countries . In another study in 2021, it was revealed that seven in every 10 Nigerians planned to relocate if the opportunity presents itself.

    A new report by the UK government showed that the 13,609 Nigerian healthcare workers granted working visas within the last one year (2021) are second only to the 42,966 from India. According to the UK immigration report released last Thursday, Nigeria is second only to Indians in the number of visas granted for the ‘Skilled Worker – Health & Care’ category with 14 % (13,609) of the total. Recent official data from Canadian immigration sources indicate that 12,595 Nigerians relocated to Canada alone in 2019 alone . Applications for permanent residency by Nigerians in Canada in 2015 were 4,000. By 2019, the number had climbed to 15,595, an increase of over 214.9%.

    The recent wave of Nigerians relocating out of the country represents the largest movement of people out of the country since the end of the civil war, over fifty years ago. What is significant is the profile of those who are relocating. They are primarily skilled youth, including doctors, nurses, IT engineers, university lecturers and technicians. They also include young people who completed their studies abroad and opted to stay back because our country has nothing to offer them regarding jobs, opportunities, or even basic safety. Some of them have been educated in elite universities at home and abroad. This demographic is more debilitating for our national development prospects.

    The primary strategic concern of our increasing demographic haemorrhage is the emigration of skilled Nigerian youth. The people on whom our future depends are leaving. Our best energies and brains are being drained. Our IT wiz kids, medical scientists, economists, biotechnologists, and academics , etc. are flooding flights headed out to better climes. Many of them have no plans of returning home in any hurry. A certain disturbing pessimism that this place will not get better any time soon pervades the attitude of many of these fleeing youth. They are leaving because the place we call home has degenerated into a hell hole of calamities,devoid of opportunities or hope.

    Five major factors seem to be fuelling this voluntary migration from Nigeria, which has never occurred post -World War 11. These factors include the desire for better career opportunities, heightened insecurity in the country, the desire to provide a better future for one’s children, the need for further education, and poor governance in the country. To underscore these points, a cursory look at Nigeria’s economic statistics paints an ugly picture.

    First, there are limited employment opportunities as the country’s unemployment rate rose five-fold (from 6.4% to 33.3%) between 2010 and 2020. Unemployment creates or increases the chances of poverty, and a rise in unemployment, as seen with Nigeria’s unemployment figure, means more people are being pushed under the poverty line. In recent months, unemployment and poverty primarily affects the youth, and crippling inflation has exacerbated the problem. Inflation has moved from about 7% a decade ago to over 20.52% lately( August 2022), forcing more people into poverty.

    The security challenge is worsening by the day with constant escalations of societal tension by the activities of kidnappers, bandits, secessionists, terrorists, and other forms of criminality. The insecurity level has become a significant concern, with the death toll in nine months reaching 8,281 and 3,490 persons kidnapped in only eight months in 2021. ASUU has been on strike for almost nine months now with no clear sense of direction. Therefore university students remain at home. The only option to escape these peculiar Nigerian problems is to “japa”( a Yoruba slang for escape).

    If Nigeria’s socio-political and economic climate remains averse and strangulating, young people, even middle-career parents, will abandon Nigeria and relocate at the slightest opportunity. This trend is not likely to end soon. Tragically, the areas worst hit by the current wave of migrations are the most strategic for our nation. We may quickly lose our competitive and comparative advantages in IT, Engineering, Medicine, and other highly skilled jobs due to their emigrating in droves. In years to come, the opportunity cost of this migration may be too high to contemplate.

    The irony in some cases is that most of these people travelling received their training and education in public institutions funded by the Nigerian government, and the developed countries will simply reap the rewards that ought to accrue to Nigeria (a reversed aid from Nigeria to developed countries). Those from families that can afford to cover the costs of studying (expended huge sums foreign exchange to educate) or working abroad have no plans of ever returning to Nigeria soon. The demand pull for skilled migration is high. With an aging populations in most developed countries, a dearth of professionals and highly skilled workers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) areas, and the advantages of a diverse workforce, the developing countries are in demand of professionals with the suitable skills base and English language proficiency.

    The Nigerian government appears unperturbed by the outbound migration of its professionals and young people. The number of passports issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service rose by 38% between 2020 and 2021. This increased from 767,164 to 1,059,607 passports issued in 2020 and 2021, respectively. This is an indication that more people are planning to move out of the country . The government, in terms of policies and actions, is not putting anything on the ground to stem this tide. It seems that the government has an alternative view of this mass migration.

    The government seems to be towing the view that as a large country with a population of over 200 million people, it is a good thing to export its skilled labour. About 50,000 people leaving a country of 200m people annually should not be a red flag. Those left behind are more than the few who will make it out. However , it is this migrating group that ought to bother the government more.

    Some argue that the next generation’s exodus will help increase diaspora remittances , which lately has been the booster to the national dollar reserve. Diaspora remittances reported by the CBN currently hover between $25bn and $30bn annually and still rising. The country can earn close to $100bn annually if it harnesses the remitting potentials of its various diasporas. The labour minister, Chris Ngige, affirmed this view when he told journalists last year that the country was exporting its best minds because it had a surplus of talents and, in any case, “when they go abroad, they earn money and send it back home here.”

    Some Nigerians do not see anything wrong with this mass movement of skilled professionals, in peacetime to abroad. They argue that It’s the same way a generation of Nigerians once left the villages in droves for cities and urban centres across the country. Education, lack of employment opportunities and shrinking socio-economic conditions will ensure forced migration anyway.

    India, a country facing a similar situation, has created a robust policy and institutional framework to reverse this trend which portends danger for the country’s future socio-economic development. Among the steps taken includes but are not limited to creating employment, attracting international companies to site industries in India, and creating awareness of the inevitable growth of India as a global economic powerhouse soon. The hope of a better Nigeria is a recipe for keeping young professionals from migrating, and this underscores the importance of the 2023 general election. The new breed of leaders that will emerge must inspire hope in the future of Nigeria.

    The long term solution to the Japa syndrome is multi prong. It requires a fundamental renewal of the educational system at the tertiary level. It needs a shift of emphasis from certificate education to entrepreneurship education. We need at least eight years of uninterrupted inflow of foreign direct investment to create an average of 3 million to 5million jobs per annum. Above all, it requires an onslaught on insecurity to enable internal migration of the factors of production especially labour and capital from one section of the country to others. Deliberate steps must be taken to improve quality of social services in the short and medium term .

    Taken together, these measures will help reverse long term mass migration from the country by creating a conducive environment for citizens to pursue and realize their potentials. They will also enable a year on year gradual reversal through rights of return and homeward movements.