LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT REFUNDS 145 FORMER SUBSCRIBERS OF EGAN HOUSING ESTATE
admin By Oyebola Owolabi
The Blacks Ancestral Native Communities (BANC) Foundation (USA), in collaboration with the ECO Center for Africa, Canada, has called on the Federal Government to adopt more decisive measures to combat irregular migration.
The foundation noted that unchecked irregular migration poses great risk to Nigeria’s development and Africa at large.
President/CEO of BANC Dr. Chibuzor Onyema, at a news conference to announce the upcoming Anti-Irregular Migration (AIM) Summit, scheduled for September 19 in Abuja, expressed concern about the growing cases of irregular migration.
Onyema lamented that migration often involves perilous journeys across the Sahara Desert or the Mediterranean Sea, leading to the loss of many young lives—comparable to the casualties of wars and natural disasters.
“Irregular migration, if not addressed, threatens our development. It depletes our human capital, leaving critical sectors like healthcare, education, and industry lacking in talent and innovation. While remittances from abroad are substantial, they cannot fully replace the skilled labor and intellectual resources needed for economic growth and social progress,” he said.
Onyema also noted that irregular migration exacerbates instability beyond Nigeria’s borders, straining diplomatic relations, heightening security risks, and complicating international cooperation. “The suffering of our citizens abroad tarnishes Africa’s image and undermines its global standing,” he said.
Onyema stressed that the foundation is focused on addressing the root causes of irregular migration rather than just its symptoms. He added that the summit aims to develop actionable strategies to secure a brighter future for Nigeria and Africa.
Pro.F P. Lumumba and other notable figures will deliver speeches at the summit.
