Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has emphasized the importance of proper documentation for Nigerians traveling abroad, urging them to avoid irregularities to prevent unpleasant consequences. The call comes as she visited Nigerians residing in a shelter in Brampton, Canada.
During the visit, Dabiri-Erewa issued a warning to Nigerians considering travel to Canada without appropriate documentation or with the intent to seek asylum, stating that the “situation is getting tougher in many countries.” This cautionary message was conveyed in a statement released on Thursday via the commission’s handle on X, signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit at NIDCOM.
The statement conveyed the NIDCOM boss’s sympathy for the conditions faced by those in the shelter and urged potential travelers to reconsider their plans, emphasizing that the challenges of seeking asylum without proper documentation are significant and not worth the risk.
The Mayor of Brampton reportedly pledged additional support by making 800 more beds available for shelter. Vivian Eruka, associated with the Bethel food bank and working with those in shelters, shared this information. Additionally, Mr. Wale Rabiu, owner of Matlock bakery, contributed by donating hundreds of loaves of Agege bread to the shelter inmates. Bayo Adedosu, a Nigerian living in Canada and an immigration consultant, provided counseling, advising against speaking negatively about Nigeria to avoid potential repercussions. He emphasized the importance of patience and law-abiding behavior.
The statement highlighted the human right aspect of migration but stressed that it should be done legitimately and not irregularly. The NIDCOM chair’s visit and messages underscore the commission’s commitment to supporting Nigerians abroad while advocating for lawful and proper migration practices.
