Urgent Need to Protect Nigerians Living Abroad Amid Rising Violence
Recent violence against Nigerians abroad underscores failures in Nigeria’s foreign policy. The murder of Destiny, a young artist in Ghana, and similar incidents highlight the need for better protection of Nigerians globally. With around 300 extrajudicial killings reported from 2016 to 2023, the government must improve advocacy for justice while also addressing migration issues.
The recent surge in the violence against Nigerians living abroad raises serious concerns about Nigeria’s foreign policy effectiveness. The tragic murder of Destiny, a young Nigerian artist residing in Ghana’s Volta Region, is just the latest instance that underlines this issue. Destiny, only 18 and from Edo State, was reportedly killed by a Ghanaian with whom he had business dealings, marking a grim reminder of the risks facing Nigerians outside the country.
From 2016 to 2023, around 300 Nigerians have faced extrajudicial killings overseas, as reported by The PUNCH. South Africa continues to be particularly dangerous, with xenophobic violence accounting for more than 200 Nigerian deaths. Notably, Elizabeth Ndubuisi-Chukwu, the deputy director-general of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, was found dead in suspicious circumstances in a Johannesburg hotel in mid-2019.
Also shocking was the death of 19-year-old Afolabi Opaso, who was killed during a mental health crisis in Canada by a Winnipeg police officer. In an equally horrifying incident in the Philippines, a Nigerian medical student, Ikem Chukwubuikem, was murdered by six assailants after being falsely accused of sexual assault.
A stark tragedy occurred in Burkina Faso, where 16 Nigerian pilgrims were shot dead by Burkinabe soldiers in 2023. The constant mistreatment and violence faced by Nigerians abroad raise serious concerns about the justice system, as many victims go unrecognized and unprotected. This lack of support at home for those wronged abroad mirrors Nigeria’s failure to adequately protect its own citizens domestically.
The case of Nigerian boxer Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who tragically died during a boxing match in Ghana, serves as further evidence of indifference in addressing such events; his body was repatriated only months later. Other countries, like the US and Israel, take extensive measures to safeguard their citizens who are abroad, a contrast that begs for urgent action based on best practices.
The government must make a concerted effort to protect the safety of Nigerians living outside the country, particularly as they contribute significantly to the national economy through over $20 billion in remittances, which comprise about 6.0 percent of the GDP as of 2024. Meanwhile, Nigerians abroad must remain conscious of their actions—staying out of trouble and adhering to local laws is crucial.
However, the delay in appointing new ambassadors after their recall in September 2023 raises serious questions about the current administration’s commitment to foreign affairs. Reports of diplomats abandoning the Nigerian embassy in Tehran during hostilities further complicate matters.
There’s also the pressing matter of Nigeria’s political elite addressing the root causes that lead to mass migration. With over a million Nigerians in the US and nearly as many in the UK, the trend continues to grow with a significant number also gaining Canadian citizenship.
It’s unfortunate that some Nigerians are drawn to unstable nations like Libya and Iraq with the hope of better opportunities only to find violence, exploitation, and hardship. Understanding the realities of life abroad versus the potential opportunities in Nigeria is vital.
In conclusion, the Nigerian government must prioritize the protection of its citizens as a central tenet of foreign policy to prevent further tragedies and ensure justice for victims abroad. The loss of life calls for not only reflection but decisive action to safeguard Nigerians wherever they may be.
The ongoing violence and mistreatment of Nigerians abroad highlight a critical failure in Nigeria’s foreign policy and the need for immediate improvement. As extrajudicial killings rise, there is an urgent need for governmental action to protect its citizens globally. In addition, significant discourse is required to address root causes of mass migration while encouraging Nigerians to recognize and appreciate domestic opportunities despite challenges. Overall, ensuring the safety of Nigerians abroad should remain a central focus for Nigerian authorities moving forward.
Original Source: punchng.com
