Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has issued a cautionary message to Nigerian asylum seekers, urging them to pursue legal means and acquire proper documentation to avoid potential negative consequences. The call comes in response to the increasing number of Nigerians leaving the country, a trend commonly referred to as “japa.”
During a visit to a shelter in Brampton, Canada, Dabiri-Erewa expressed sympathy for the situation faced by Nigerians seeking asylum. Addressing those without proper documentation, she advised against embarking on such journeys, highlighting the growing difficulties encountered in many destination countries. She emphasized that the risks and challenges associated with irregular migration often outweigh the potential benefits.
NIDCOM’s visit to the shelter shed light on the efforts being made to support those in need. Pastor Vivian Eruka, who operates the Bethel food bank and assists individuals in shelters, informed the delegation that the Mayor of Brampton had pledged to provide an additional 800 beds as shelter.
In a display of generosity, Wale Rabiu, the owner of Matlock Bakery, contributed hundreds of loaves of Agege bread to support the shelter’s inhabitants. Additionally, Bayo Adedosu, a Nigerian residing in Canada and an immigration consultant, provided counseling to the asylum seekers. Adedosu emphasized the importance of refraining from speaking negatively about Nigeria, their home country, to avoid potential repercussions. He also encouraged them to demonstrate patience and abide by the law.
Migration is a complex and multifaceted issue, encompassing human rights considerations. However, Dabiri-Erewa reinforced the criticality of pursuing migration through legal channels rather than resorting to irregular means.
The statement concludes with the assertion that migration should be undertaken legitimately, with proper documentation and adherence to legal procedures. This critical thinking approach addresses the challenges faced by Nigerian asylum seekers while shedding light on the importance of responsible migration practices.
