The National Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights, safety and dignity of Nigerians living and working outside the country amid renewed concerns over xenophobia, Afrophobia and the exploitation of African migrants.
The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Rep. Joshua Gana, said the legislature had a responsibility to defend Nigerians whenever their interests or fundamental rights were threatened.
Gana, who represents Lavun/Mokwa/Edati Federal Constituency of Niger State, spoke at a one-day conference on “The Effect of Migration on African Citizens”, organised by the African Diaspora Union (AFRIDU) in Abuja.
National Assembly backs stronger protection for Nigerians abroad
The lawmaker said Nigeria must take firm steps to protect its citizens overseas, particularly when they face discrimination or attacks because of their nationality.
He said recent legislative action involving South Africa was part of efforts to protect Nigerian interests and strengthen the country’s position in diplomatic discussions.
“Our duty as Nigerian parliamentarians is to those who elected us. We are to defend the integrity and the people of Nigeria first.”
Gana also called for greater cooperation between African countries, saying migration should create opportunities for skills exchange and economic development rather than fuel hostility between nations.
He urged government agencies responsible for diaspora affairs to develop stronger support systems for Nigerians seeking legitimate employment and professional opportunities abroad.
The lawmaker also promised to push for the recommendations emerging from the conference to be considered in future policy decisions.
AFRIDU calls for action against xenophobia and trafficking
The President of AFRIDU, Prof. Chidiebere Ogbu, called on African governments to strengthen measures against trafficking, exploitation, xenophobia and the dangers associated with irregular migration.
Ogbu said migration should not be viewed merely through statistics or government policies because every migrant represents an individual, a family and a community.
He expressed concern about Africans undertaking dangerous journeys through deserts and across unsafe sea routes in search of better economic opportunities.
According to him, fraudulent migration agents are exploiting young people by promising jobs and prosperity before exposing them to trafficking, forced labour, debt, sexual exploitation and other abuses.
He called for stronger enforcement, cross-border cooperation and prosecution of trafficking networks.
‘African unity cannot exist alongside Afrophobia’
Ogbu also criticised attacks against African migrants in other African countries.
He argued that African integration and unity would remain difficult to achieve if Africans continued to discriminate against or attack one another because of nationality.
He acknowledged that countries have the right to enforce immigration laws and protect national security and their economies.
However, he stressed that immigration enforcement must remain lawful and humane and should not become a tool for discrimination or collective punishment.
Migration education needed in schools
Ogbu proposed the introduction of migration education into secondary and tertiary institutions.
He said young Africans should be taught about legitimate migration opportunities, the risks associated with irregular migration, fraudulent recruitment agents and the rights of migrants.
He also called on governments to create safer and more accessible legal migration pathways while improving economic opportunities at home.
According to him, reducing desperate migration requires more than border controls; it also requires addressing the conditions that push people to leave their countries.
Ogbu urged African governments to move beyond conferences and declarations by establishing measurable targets, assigning responsibilities and setting deadlines for protecting migrants and combating trafficking and Afrophobia.
“The objective should not be to prevent Africans from travelling, but to ensure that migration is safe, legal and dignified,” he said.
Imo commissioner urges Nigerians abroad to return
The Imo State Commissioner for Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals, Jerry Egemba, also condemned discrimination against Africans.
Egemba encouraged Nigerians living abroad to consider returning home and using the knowledge and experience they had acquired overseas to contribute to development.
He argued that Africa possessed the human resources needed to transform the continent and should work towards creating an environment where those skills could be deployed locally.
