Protect Nigerians Living Abroad

Nigerians living abroad face increasing violence and lack of protection, highlighted by the recent murder of artist Destiny in Ghana. With approximately 300 extrajudicial killings documented from 2016 to 2023, particularly in South Africa, the situation indicates a severe inadequacy in the Nigerian government’s foreign policy and response. Government action is crucial to ensure safety for its citizens abroad and to reform its previous efforts toward protecting Nigerian lives on an international level.

The recent rise in harassment and murder of Nigerians abroad underscores significant flaws in Nigeria’s foreign policy. A particularly tragic instance involves the murder of 18-year-old Destiny, a promising Nigerian artist, who was killed in Ghana’s Volta Region. Accused of failing to transfer money from a business deal, he was allegedly murdered by a group that invaded his apartment and beat him to death.

Data from The PUNCH indicates that between 2016 and 2023, about 300 Nigerians have faced extrajudicial killings overseas, with South Africa being notably dangerous due to rampant xenophobic violence, claiming more than 200 lives. One notable victim was Elizabeth Ndubuisi-Chukwu, the deputy director-general of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, found dead in her hotel room in Johannesburg in June 2019, with signs pointing to strangulation.

The harrowing stories continue with the deaths of Afolabi Opaso in Canada, shot during a mental health crisis, and Ikem Chukwubuikem, a Nigerian medical student in the Philippines, murdered by six Chinese men over a personal dispute under dubious circumstances. Additionally, 16 Nigerian pilgrims were killed by Burkinabe soldiers while on their way to Senegal just last year.

The ongoing abuse faced by Nigerians abroad highlights a lack of judicial accountability and a broader failure at home, where many also go unprotected. The statistics reflect a grim picture of how little value is placed on Nigerian lives, both domestically and internationally. For instance, in March, Nigerian boxer Oluwasegun Olanrewaju collapsed and died during a boxing match in Ghana. His body was not repatriated until June 17, which demonstrates the inadequate response to such tragedies.

It appears that the respect given to citizens of other nations does not extend to Nigerians; nations like the U.S. and Israel actively safeguard their citizens overseas. The U.S. Bureau of Diplomatic Security offers assistance to its citizens dealing with crimes abroad, a model Nigeria could learn from. Given that the contributions of Nigerians in the Diaspora exceed $20 billion through remittances, accounting for 6% of national GDP by 2024, safeguarding their lives abroad should be a top priority for the government.

Nigerians abroad are urged to comply with local laws and conduct themselves responsibly, although this does not excuse the lack of protection they currently face. Meanwhile, the failure of President Bola Tinubu to appoint new ambassadors, after recalling them in September 2023, further illustrates Nigeria’s leadership issues. A concerning video recently surfaced, showing Nigerian diplomats purportedly abandoning the embassy in Tehran amid conflict.

Addressing the root causes of mass migration is vital. There are over one million Nigerians in the U.S. and nearly double that number in the U.K. Moreover, between 2005 and 2024, over 71,459 Nigerians acquired Canadian citizenship, excluding many who are still in the country without citizenship. Sadly, some Nigerians chase opportunities in crisis-ridden nations like Libya and Iraq, only to encounter severe hardships and danger.

Lastly, the perception that life abroad is a paradise must shift; Nigerians should learn to appreciate the opportunities their home country still offers. Despite its challenges, Nigeria presents promising prospects for those who are enterprising. Ultimately, ensuring the protection of its citizens must become the cornerstone of Nigeria’s foreign policy moving forward.

The alarming number of Nigerians suffering from violence and discrimination abroad reveals serious inadequacies in the country’s foreign policy. The government must prioritize the safety of its citizens overseas, addressing the issues causing mass migration and providing appropriate support. With significant economic contributions from the Diaspora, it is imperative to foster a more secure environment for Nigerians living abroad, while also encouraging respect for local laws. A shift in focus to protect and value its citizens abroad is essential for Nigeria’s reputation and responsibility on the global stage.

Original Source: punchng.com