The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned Nigerians against embarking on illegal migration through dangerous routes such as the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea, describing the journeys as life-threatening and often ending in tragedy.
The warning was contained in a statement signed by the Ministry's Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, at the weekend following a meeting with Mr. George Emmanuel, a Nigerian who survived the hazardous trek across the Sahara Desert and a boat accident in the Mediterranean Sea.
According to the ministry, Emmanuel recounted his ordeal during the meeting, including how a boat carrying migrants capsized in the Mediterranean, resulting in the deaths of 28 people.
Ebienfa commended Emmanuel for turning his experience into an advocacy campaign against irregular migration, particularly efforts to discourage Nigerians from attempting dangerous journeys through the Sahara Desert or crossing the Mediterranean Sea in unsafe boats.
The ministry said the Federal Government remains deeply concerned about the human cost of irregular migration, noting that many Nigerians have either lost their lives or suffered permanent physical and psychological trauma due to exploitation by human traffickers and migrant smugglers, harsh desert conditions, detention and abuse in transit countries, and perilous sea crossings.
It reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to tackling the root causes of irregular migration through expanded economic opportunities, stronger border management, intensified action against human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks, and the promotion of safe, orderly and regular migration pathways in collaboration with destination and transit countries, as well as international organisations.
The ministry also reiterated its support for the voluntary return, protection, psychosocial care and sustainable reintegration of distressed Nigerian nationals abroad, adding that Nigerian missions continue to provide consular assistance to citizens in need.
Ebienfa expressed appreciation to Emmanuel for sharing his experience and wished him a full recovery and success in his advocacy efforts.
The ministry urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to exercise caution, verify migration-related information carefully, and avoid the false promises of irregular migration, warning that such journeys frequently end in exploitation, suffering and death.