FG Rolls Out Sensitisation Programme to Empower Youth and Stem Irregular Migration in Nigeria.
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a comprehensive Sensitization Programme Against Irregular Migration, aimed at raising awareness among Nigerian youth on the dangers of illegal migration while promoting sustainable opportunities within the country.
The Southern Zone edition of the programme was held on October 3–4, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria, bringing together key stakeholders from government, security agencies, and civil society to address the growing migration crisis affecting young Nigerians.
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, who was represented by the Head Of Department , Migration and Climate Action of the Ministry,Ms. Grace Leleh, emphasized that irregular migration continues to claim thousands of lives annually and deprives the nation of its greatest asset, its youth. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reversing this trend by empowering young Nigerians through strategic, sustainable development initiatives, in line with the National Youth Policy (2019).
“Irregular migration defined as movement outside recognized legal channels has become a growing crisis driven by conflict, economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity, natural disasters, and unrealistic perceptions of life abroad. Many young Nigerians fall prey to human trafficking, forced labour, organ harvesting, and modern slavery, particularly along dangerous routes such as the Mediterranean.
The consequences for national development are severe, as Nigeria experiences brain drain, losing skilled and educated youth to foreign countries. To tackle these root causes, the Ministry is implementing a wide range of empowerment and intervention programmes, including:
* Vocational training in various trades to promote self-reliance.
* Waste-to-Wealth initiatives to support youth economic empowerment
* Work experience programmes to bridge the gap between education and employment
* The ₦110 billion National Youth Investment Fund for young entrepreneurs across sectors
* Agricultural innovation and start-up grants to modernize farming
* Establishment of Youth Development Centres and Youth Villages in all 774 local government areas
* 30% youth inclusion policy in governance and decision-making processes
* Nationwide initiatives for digital literacy, youth health, entertainment, climate action, and data protection”
“These interventions are designed not only to deter irregular migration but also to provide viable alternatives that enable young Nigerians to thrive within their own country,” the Minister stated.
In his remarks, the Ogun State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olanrewaju Ogunyinka, underscored the urgent need to address the growing trend of irregular migration among young Nigerians, particularly those aged 18 to 35. He highlighted the life-threatening risks involved, including perilous desert crossings, human trafficking, forced labour, sexual exploitation, and organ harvesting.
“Irregular migration not only endangers individual lives but also depletes Nigeria’s human capital and tarnishes the nation’s image. The loss of skilled and vibrant youth hampers national development and places further strain on families and communities,” he stated.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the State Coordinator of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs. Jimoh Abosede highlighted the urgent need to safeguard Nigerian youth from the intertwined threats of irregular migration and human trafficking. She noted that young people especially those of school and university age are most vulnerable, often misled by deceptive travel agents and false promises of greener pastures abroad.
“Youth are often the primary targets of traffickers, lured by misinformation and secrecy,” she stated. “We urge all young people to ask the right questions about their intended destinations and to avoid making travel plans in secrecy.”
Also speaking, CSI Olajide Osifeso, representing the Ogun State Controller of Immigration, noted the rising trend of both regular and irregular migration among Nigerian youth. While acknowledging their legitimate aspirations for a better life, he cautioned against unsafe and illegal routes.
“Wanting a better life is not a crime,” Osifeso said. “But pursuing it through unsafe, illegal routes is a gamble with very high stakes.”
He cited real-life cases of Nigerian migrants trafficked through Libya and Tanzania, warning that many such journeys end in hardship rather than success.
Cover Photo Caption: From the middle, is the Mrs Grace Leleh, representative of the Honourable Minister of Youth Development and Head of Department, Migration & Climate Action,from left is Mrs Omolara Esan, Director of Information & Public Relations of the Ministry, right is the Representative of the Ogun State Commissioner for Youth & Sports, Mr. Olarewaju Ogunyinka, during the Awareness Campaign in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.
(FMYD Press, October 3, 2025)
