The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has called on spirited individuals to join hands to condemn the attitudes of people who expose Nigerians, especially, young girls to undignified engagements outside the shores of the country.
Aregbesola made this call in his office on Friday, 23 April, 2021 when he received the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and her team.
“We have no choice than to ensure that Nigerians, no matter where they are in the world are supported, so as to give them a sense of dignity and integrity,” he said.
He promised the commitment of the Ministry of Interior and its relevant Agencies in supporting the Commission to facilitate seamless and easy return of Nigerians facing challenges abroad.
The Minister who advised that more opportunities should be given to the youths through enterpreneuship development, saying this will give room for self-actualisation, also suggested the need for Government to facilitate labour-exchange between Nigeria and other countries, opined that such will reduce the penchant for illegal migration.
“I announced a new passport processing regime yesterday which would commence on the 1st of June, this year, the timeline of six weeks was announced to ensure that whoever holds Nigerian passport is a bonafide citizen,” the Minister stressed.
Aregbesola thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for finding Abike Dabiri-Erewa worthy to lead such an important Commission, adding that the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission should work with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in its efforts to managing migration.
Earlier, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who noted that one of the major issues confronting Nigerians in Diaspora was the issue of passport, thanked the Minister and his team for introducing temporary passports for the return of Nigerians abroad and other commendable innovations they have introduced into the system.
She assured that her Commission will continue to collaborate with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies involved in Migration, including the Ministry of Interior, so as to restore dignity to Nigerians abroad.
Also in attendance was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore.
