By Damiete Braide
Celebrated journalist and author Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor has released her latest novel, See Morocco See Spain, a gripping adult fiction that delves into the dark world of irregular migration and human trafficking. The book was recently unveiled at the Alliance Française/Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, at an event attended by family, friends, clergy, and literary enthusiasts.
Through powerful storytelling, Chiazor-Enenmor confronts the ongoing migration crisis, using fiction to explore the harrowing experiences of young Nigerians who risk everything to leave the country in search of greener pastures. At the heart of the novel lies a cautionary tale about “japa”, a local slang for fleeing Nigeria, and the dangerous illusions that often accompany it.
Literary critic Anote Ajeluorou, who reviewed the novel at the launch, praised it as an unflinching portrayal of Nigeria’s socio-political and economic decay. According to him, the desperation to leave the country has reached alarming levels, driven by bad governance, economic hardship, and insecurity. See Morocco See Spain, he said, presents a story that’s both timely and essential, laying bare the physical and psychological toll of these perilous journeys.
“This is more than just a novel, it is a reality many are living today,” Ajeluorou noted. “Ndidi’s narrative is compelling, because it is based on the lived experiences of people who have been deceived, exploited, or lost while trying to cross into Europe illegally.”
Amara Chimela, founder of Purple Shelves Publishers, echoed this sentiment. She described the book as a window into the human trafficking crisis that plagues Nigeria and West Africa at large. “Migration may be the surface theme, but the deeper issue is human trafficking, an industry worth over $150 billion globally,” she said. “Most people don’t realize that Nigeria is both a source and a transit country for traffickers, and thousands fall victim each year.” Chimela emphasized that fiction has a powerful role to play in awareness and education. She expressed hope that the novel would reach a wide audience, especially young people, who are often targeted by traffickers. “We plan to take this book on tour across schools, communities, and public institutions,” she announced. “It’s not just a story, it’s a call to action.”
Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor spoke passionately about the inspiration behind the novel. She revealed that the story was sparked by the memory of a cousin, Ejike, who attempted to migrate to Europe 26 years ago and has never been heard from since. “It’s a wound that never healed,” she shared. “My husband encouraged me to finally write the story I’ve carried in my heart for years.”
Interestingly, the title of the book, See Morocco See Spain, was suggested by her husband and carries layers of meaning. It reflects the naive optimism with which many migrants begin their journey, unaware of the horrific dangers that lie ahead, particularly the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea.
To add depth to her storytelling, Ndidi and her husband traveled to Spain, visiting cities and interviewing locals, which enriched the narrative with realism and detail. “Though the story is fictional, it’s grounded in reality,” she said. “I wanted to blend imagination with lived experiences, my own, my family’s, and those of many others.”
Ndidi also spoke about her dual role as a writer for both children and adults. Her first book, I Will Always Eat My Food, was inspired by her daughter’s mealtime habits. She explained that writing for children requires a different mindset: “When I write for children, I enter their world. I share my drafts with kids and listen to their feedback, it helps me fine-tune the tone and language.”
Despite her responsibilities as a mother, she insists that her writing process is fluid. “I write whenever inspiration strikes, day or night. Sometimes I jot ideas on my phone if I’m not near a notebook,” she said, adding that late nights are often her most productive hours.
At the book launch, Ndidi read an excerpt that revealed the deceit many migrants face, including the lie that Spain is just a short swim from Morocco. Her husband added that traffickers lure desperate people with false promises and maps, never disclosing the full cost of the journey, financially, physically, and emotionally.
See Morocco See Spain is more than a literary work, it’s a poignant exploration of migration, loss, and resilience. Through it, Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmor invites readers to reflect on the conditions pushing Nigerians to flee and the human cost of such decisions.
As Chimela urged at the close of the event, “This book should be in the hands of every teenager, every parent, and every policymaker. We need to face the truth, fiction like this can help save lives.”
In telling one family’s story, See Morocco See Spain speaks for thousands. It is a bold, beautifully written reminder of what’s at stake when hope is traded for illusion, and dreams become deadly journeys.
Ace journalist and poet, Akeem Lasisi, anchored the event and entertained guests with on the spot spoken word performances.