Some migration stakeholders have advised Nigerians on the need for right, dignity, and safe migration.
They gave the advice during a road walk on Monday in commemoration of the 2023 International Migrants Day.
International Migrants Day is celebrated every year on Dec. 18 to reflect on the contributions of millions of migrants worldwide.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the 2023 International Migrants Day is “Act Today”.
The Project Director of the Mediterranean Foundation for African Migrants, Kenechi Okpalaji, said there was nothing wrong with people moving from one country to another but they should do it rightly.
Kenechi explained that people on the move were powerful drivers for development in both their origin and destination countries, as workers, students, entrepreneurs, family members, and artists among others.
She advised youths to ensure that they were skillful before migrating, adding that migration should be done through regular routes.
“What we promote is labour migration, have a skill so that when you get there you will be useful to yourself and the host country,” Kenechi said.
The Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Alhaji Tijani Ahmed said all hands must be on deck to address migration challenges, particularly in connection with the youth’s aspirations.
Represented by Amb. Catherine Udida, the Director, Migration Affairs of the Commission, Ahmed, said the day is dedicated to celebrating migrants, recognising their important contributions to countries’ economies while highlighting their challenges.
“Migration is a human right, everybody has the right to migrate but what the commission is saying is that if you want to migrate, you must migrate regularly.
“You must have right documentation, you must get all the information you need to migrate,’’ he said.
In his message on the day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the urgent need for safe migration governance rooted in solidarity, partnership, and respect for human rights.
On his part, Mr Onabe Paulinus, Project Manager, Network against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), commended the commission for creating more awareness on migration issues.
“Although migration is a human right, it is good that we migrate rightly and regularly.
“You need to ensure your movements are properly documented, so that you can move to wherever you want to move to since migration is a human right,’’ Paulinus said.