To stem the tide of irregular migration and attendant consequences, former Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS), Muhammed Babandede, has urged Nigerians intending to travel abroad for greener pastures to go through regular channels to avoid being victimised.
He said Migration in itself is not a crime and in fact contributes to nation’s economy but it must be done right by getting all the necessary documents before embarking on such a trip.
Speaking at a two-day workshop on Sensitisation Strategy and Reportage on Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Persons organised by Journalist for Migration, (JIFORM), in partnership with the Nigeria German Center for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration, Babandede blame ignorance for many woes associated with irregular migration, trafficking in persons and other related Challenges
He said “We need to stop irregular migration and trafficking in persons by reporting the good side of Nigeria instead of focusing on the negative aspects.
“Ignorance is a very key factor when it comes to trafficking in persons and the media is that critical to drivers in fighting trafficking in persons.
“I expect professional reporting about after this workshop. Don’t show the people that Europe is paradise, we must promote heroism.
He tasked journalists to respect the human rights of victims and stop showing the pictures of f those exploited.
JIFORM President, Dr Ajibola Abayomi, said that the aim of the workshop is to enhance the capacity of the journalists on evidence-based reporting to encourage a better understanding of migrant management and rehabilitation of irregular migration victims.
He explained that the meeting also targets “promoting cooperation and evaluation of activities and the impacts of the Nigeria German Center on migration management and reintegration in Nigeria,” among others
National Press Officer of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP), Vincent Adekoya, urged journalists to observe the ethics of their profession, national interest and the protection of the dignity and privacy of victims of irregular migration and trafficking in persons.
