The Federal Government has urged Nigerian youths to avoid irregular migration, warning that unsafe travel routes continue to expose thousands to loss of life and exploitation.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, made the call on Friday in Abeokuta during a campaign against irregular migration for youths in the Southern zones. He was represented by Grace Lelea, the Director in charge of Migration and Climate Change in the ministry.
The minister explained that while migration through legal channels is a normal process, irregular migration outside recognized frameworks poses grave dangers to individuals and their communities.
He noted that many young Nigerians are pushed into such risky journeys due to unemployment, poverty, insecurity, conflicts, natural disasters, and false promises of opportunities abroad.
According to him, many have lost their lives while crossing deserts and the Mediterranean Sea, while others become victims of human trafficking, forced labour, organ harvesting, or modern slavery.
He stressed that the government is determined to curb the trend by creating alternatives that can help young people achieve their goals without endangering their lives.
Olawande added that his ministry, working with other government agencies and development partners, has introduced several programmes to equip youths with skills, resources, and support systems that can boost self-reliance and national growth.
He described Nigerian youths as the country’s biggest resource and urged collective responsibility in creating an environment where their dreams can be nurtured.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Wasiu Isiaka, represented by Permanent Secretary Lanre Ogunyinka, commended the initiative, saying awareness and empowerment are vital to discouraging irregular migration.
Also speaking at the event, Abosede Jimoh from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), said young people are often the worst hit by irregular migration and human trafficking.
She advised Nigerians to travel through legal means and to be well-informed about their destinations before embarking on any journey.