The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its dedication to tackling the smuggling of migrants and trafficking of persons. This was disclosed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a private screening of the documentary “Know Before You Go: The Dark Web of Migrant Smuggling in Nigeria”. The screening, held at the Minister’s office in Abuja, showcased a joint initiative by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with support from the Government of Canada.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the administration’s commitment to fostering hope and ensuring the well-being and security of Nigerians. “Leadership requires staying true to our oath of office, which places the welfare of Nigerians at its core. We are working to improve migration processes to safeguard our citizens,” he said.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the significant strides made in recent years, including enhanced border surveillance, improved integrity and automation of Nigeria’s travel document verification systems, and proactive measures to monitor irregular entry points across the nation. He further noted that Nigeria aims to export value and share assets with the global community while managing its domestic challenges responsibly.
A Collaborative Approach
Kemi Nanna Nandap, Comptroller-General of the NIS, commended UNODC for its unwavering support and acknowledged Canada’s role in advancing border security efforts. She emphasized the importance of raising public awareness about the dangers of irregular migration and human trafficking, particularly among Nigerian youths.
Mr. Cheikh Toure, the UNODC Country Representative, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to its partnership with the NIS and to advancing the objectives of the Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) Observatory. He underscored the importance of sustained collaboration to combat migration-related crimes effectively.
On behalf of the Canadian government, Chargé d’Affaires Michael Murphy praised Nigeria’s efforts to enhance border security and lauded the documentary’s potential to educate the public. “Canada remains committed to working with Nigeria and other international partners to prevent and disrupt migrant smuggling operations globally,” Murphy stated.
Promoting Safe Migration
The “Know Before You Go” documentary seeks to educate Nigerians about the risks of human trafficking and migrant smuggling. It advocates for safe and regular migration processes while fostering partnerships with civil society organizations to combat these crimes.
This initiative reflects Nigeria’s strengthened resolve to address migration challenges and protect its citizens while building collaborative frameworks to tackle global migration issues.