By Obi Appolos, Abuja
The Chairman of the Blacks Ancestral Native Communities (BANC) Foundation, Ambassador Sani Bako, at the Anti-Irregular Migration Summit in Abuja, called for active collaboration between governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders to address the rising issue of irregular migration.
Titled “The Japa Conundrum,” the summit underscored the urgent need for coordinated efforts in combating this global challenge.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to address one of the most pressing issues of our time—irregular migration and its devastating consequences on both the sending and receiving countries,” Bako emphasized during his opening remarks.
Irregular migration, as defined by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR),
involves the movement of people across international borders without proper documentation or in violation of immigration laws. Bako noted that this phenomenon has deep roots in Africa, dating back to the 1980s when individuals, in a desperate bid for better opportunities, risked their lives to reach Europe and parts of Asia.
Tragically, thousands of migrants have lost their lives while attempting dangerous journeys through the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea. He noted
Ambassador Bako pointed to widespread corruption as one of the primary drivers behind irregular migration across the continent. “It is commonly believed that understanding the root causes of a problem is the first step toward solving it. We are fully aware of the causes of irregular migration, and therefore, we are not far from finding solutions,” he stated.
Furthermore, Bako called on embassies, governments, NGOs, and international organizations to form active partnerships with BANC in order to implement effective strategies. He emphasized the importance of strengthening border controls, developing robust asylum systems, enhancing international cooperation, and addressing the root causes of migration, such as poverty and lack of opportunities.
“Our mission is grounded in the principles of compassion, justice, and solidarity. We must protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of migrants while promoting humane and sustainable solutions to this complex challenge,” Bako added.
Bako also highlighted the importance of promoting legal migration pathways, particularly by offering skills acquisition programs that can help migrants
