Following recurring cases of irregular migration, Executive Director of Denny Social Welfare Hub (DSWHUB) Abosede Otukpe, has stressed the need for Nigerians to explore safe, legal and informed migration pathways.
Recall irregular migration of Nigerians, via the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea to Europe has been a reoccurring phenomenon resulting in loss of lives.
In her welcome address at the Information Session on Safe Migration: Work and Study Opportunities in Germany held in Lagos recently, Otukpe described the free information session as not just an event; but part of DSWHUB’s broader mission to promote safe migration and ensure those who aspire to seek opportunities abroad do so through the right channels.
Speaking further, she also added the session was organized to arm participants with valuable information about processes involved in migrating for work or study in Germany, and prevent dangers that many Nigerians have unfortunately faced due to irregular migration.
To her, “the issue of irregular migration has reached critical levels in Nigeria. Our nation has seen an increasing number of its citizens taking perilous journeys, driven by misinformation, false promises, and a lack of access to accurate information on legal migration pathways. Too often, these individuals fall prey to human traffickers, exploitative agents, or dangerous circumstances, resulting in tragic consequences.
“Many Nigerians seek better economic opportunities, educational prospects, or personal growth abroad, but without proper guidance, they inadvertently put themselves at risk. This issue doesn’t just affect individuals; it impacts entire families and communities, leaving a lasting negative effect on our society as a whole.”
At DSWHUB, Otukpe disclosed firsthand tragic consequences of irregular migration has been witnessed. Hence DSWHUB is changing the narrative through education, advocacy, and support for safe migration options.
However, she noted, “we recognize that we cannot tackle this issue alone. This is why we have partnered with key stakeholders today to share expert insights and provide the necessary tools for informed decision-making.”
Saying DSWHUB has been actively engaging in community outreach programmes, educational campaigns, and collaboration with both local and international organizations to curb irregular migration, she added, “we believe that by offering Nigerians access to credible information about legal migration processes, we can significantly reduce the risks associated with irregular migration. However, DSWHUB’s efforts, though impactful, cannot be sufficient by themselves. This is why we have partnered with key stakeholders—experts from organizations such as GIZ/ZME, AHK Nigeria, GoetheInstitut, and the Nigerian Immigration Service.
In conclusion, she reminded the participants that migration, when done through the right channels, can be a positive and enriching experience.
She stated, “it can open doors to new opportunities, enable personal growth, and contribute to the development of both the destination and home countries. But to achieve this, we must stay informed, prepared, and aware of the risks and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Programme Component Manager Lagos, GIZ/ZME Nigeria Ayomikun Olugbode said, ”in line with GIZ’s mission to promote safe, regular, and responsible migration, the essence of this program is to empower people with the information they need to make well-informed decisions about migration,”
To Olugbode, “by partnering with DSWHUB, we aim to provide authentic, reliable guidance directly from experts, ensuring attendees understand the pathways for legal migration to Germany. Our goal is to equip people with knowledge that not only informs but also safeguards them on their journey.”
Project Coordinator for the AMIF Project at Goethe-Institut Nigeria Lasisi Eniola, highlighted the institute’s commitment to empowering people through language education, which is essential for those aiming to live and work in Germany. “At Goethe-Institut, we empower individuals through language learning, an essential tool for those planning to live and work in Germany,” Eniola explained. “Our involvement in the migration space through the AMIF project reflects our commitment to providing language skills that ease cultural transitions and support legal migration pathways.”
He emphasized that the partnership with DSWHUB will help disseminate accurate information about the legal requirements for migrating to Germany. “Partnering with DSWHUB is vital, as it enables us to share critical information about the requirements for living in Germany. At Goethe-Institut, we offer training across multipleg language proficiency levels to help individuals overcome language barriers and navigate their migration journey successfully,” Eniola added.
