By Obi Appolos
As part of its effort to proferrig suitable solutions to address irregular migration among Nigerian youths, the Blacks Ancestral Native Communities (BANC) Foundation, led by Dr. Chibuzor Ephraim Onyema, has urged the Nigerian government to adopt bilateral labour agreements as one of the sustainable solutions to mitigate the dangerous movement.
Known for its commitment to reducing irregular migration, BANC Foundation views these labour agreements as part of a broader strategy to create legal avenues for skilled Nigerians to work abroad.
According to Dr. Onyema, these agreements are essential to tackling irregular migration, which has seen many Nigerian youths embark on dangerous journeys through unauthorized routes in search of better opportunities abroad.
“Irregular migration needs to be addressed from all sides. We cannot rely solely on border enforcement or deportation,” Onyema emphasized. “By creating legal pathways for skilled migration through bilateral labour agreements, we offer our youth safe and structured opportunities to work abroad.”
These agreements would allow the Nigerian government to partner with foreign countries, providing official channels for skilled workers to secure employment abroad. This approach could help reduce the unemployment pressures that often drive young Nigerians to leave the country through unsafe routes.
Bilateral labour agreements typically focus on addressing labour shortages in one country by offering employment opportunities to workers from another, while also protecting workers’ rights. For Nigeria, such arrangements could significantly reduce irregular migration by providing young people with legitimate job prospects.
Dr. Onyema stressed that offering legal migration options would not only protect Nigerian workers but also ensure fair treatment and professional growth opportunities for them in their host countries.
The BANC Foundation has long been at the forefront of efforts to curb irregular migration, working with government agencies, international organizations, and local communities to raise awareness and offer practical solutions. Their initiatives also include public education campaigns that highlight the dangers of irregular migration, such as the risk of human trafficking or death.
In addition to advocating for labour agreements, BANC works with authorities to create economic opportunities for youth in Nigeria. Onyema urged the government to invest in unemployment solutions and infrastructure improvements to reduce the factors that push young people toward irregular migration.
He also called for a unified effort between government and private stakeholders to secure these agreements with countries experiencing labour shortages. Such agreements, he noted, would enhance Nigeria’s reputation by demonstrating its proactive approach to managing migration responsibly.
While Dr. Onyema believes that bilateral labour agreements are an important step, he also advocates for a holistic strategy that includes education, job creation, and youth empowerment to address the root causes of migration.
“Migration itself is not a problem, but when it’s irregular and driven by desperation, it becomes an issue. By establishing legal migration pathways and addressing domestic challenges, we can manage migration in a way that benefits both Nigeria and the host countries,” he concluded.
The BANC Foundation’s advocacy for bilateral labour agreements underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach to curbing irregular migration. By creating legal opportunities abroad for skilled workers, the Nigerian government can provide safer alternatives for its youth and contribute to global migration solutions.
