By Lukman Olabiyi
The Blacks Ancestral Native Communities (BANC) Foundation, USA, in collaboration with the ECO Center for Africa, Canada, has called on the Federal Government to adopt more decisive measures to combat irregular migration.
The foundation highlighted that unchecked irregular migration poses severe risks to Nigeria’s development and to Africa at large.
During a press conference unveiling the programmes for the upcoming Anti-Irregular Migration (AIM) Summit, scheduled for August 19,in Abuja, Chibuzor E. Onyema, President/CEO of the foundation, expressed concern about the growing issue of irregular migration.
Onyema noted that irregular migration often involves perilous journeys across the Sahara Desert or the Mediterranean Sea, leading to the loss of many young lives—comparable to the casualties of wars and natural disasters.
He lamented the increasing number of youths undertaking dangerous routes in search of better opportunities abroad. Onyema emphasized,”Irregular migration, if not addressed, threatens our development. It depletes our human capital, leaving critical sectors like healthcare, education, and industry lacking in talent and innovation. While remittances from abroad are substantial, they cannot fully replace the skilled labour and intellectual resources needed for economic growth and social progress.”
He also pointed out that irregular migration exacerbates instability beyond Nigeria’s borders, straining diplomatic relations, heightening security risks, and complicating international cooperation. He noted that the suffering of our citizens abroad tarnishes Africa’s image and undermines its global standing.
Onyema stressed that the foundation is focusing on addressing the root causes of irregular migration rather than just its symptoms, adding that the AIM summit is aimed at developing actionable strategies to secure a brighter future for Nigeria and Africa.
He disclosed that Professor Plo Lumumba and other distinguished figures would deliver keynote speeches at the summit.