Greener Pastures or Watery Graves? The Deadly Journey of Nigerian Youths -By Yusuf Kabiru David

Why on earth should Nigerian youths have to risk their lives travelling by sea in search of greener pastures? How many more young Nigerians must lose their lives before we recognise that irregular migration by sea has become a serious national concern?

Every year, young Nigerians leave the country with the hope of finding better opportunities abroad. Driven by unemployment, poverty, frustration and the desire for a better life, many embark on extremely dangerous journeys across the sea. Some spend weeks or even months travelling under terrible conditions, often without adequate food, water or medical care.

For some, the journey ends in tragedy. Boats capsize, people drown, and others reportedly face exploitation and violence along the way. The dream of reaching another country in search of a better future can suddenly become a fight for survival.

The painful question is: How long will this continue?

Nigerian youths do not deserve to lose their lives simply because they want a better future. Wanting a better life is not a crime. Seeking opportunities is not a crime. But when the only option some young people see is risking their lives on dangerous sea routes, then something is seriously wrong with our society.

The Nigerian government must treat irregular migration and dangerous sea journeys as a matter of national importance. More attention should be given to the conditions pushing young people to leave the country through unsafe routes. Government at all levels must intensify efforts to create decent jobs, support entrepreneurship, improve skills acquisition and provide young people with opportunities to become economically independent.

Education and awareness are equally important. The media has a major role to play in informing young Nigerians about the dangers associated with irregular migration, particularly dangerous journeys by sea. Government agencies, civil society organisations, schools and community leaders should organise public forums where youths can learn about the realities and risks of these journeys.

Security agencies operating around seaports and other departure points must also strengthen their surveillance and screening systems. Proper checks should be carried out before vessels leave, and corruption must not be allowed to compromise human lives. Allegations of officials accepting bribes to facilitate dangerous journeys should be investigated, and anyone found guilty should face the law.

However, the responsibility does not rest with the government alone. Nigerian youths must also recognise their enormous potential. Instead of allowing desperation to push them into deadly journeys, young people should explore entrepreneurship, vocational skills, technology, agriculture and other legitimate opportunities available to them.

We must begin to change the narrative from “I must leave Nigeria to succeed” to “I can build a successful life wherever I am.”

Nigeria has millions of talented and hardworking young people. With the right policies, opportunities, education and support, these youths can become employers rather than job seekers, innovators rather than victims, and nation-builders rather than migrants risking their lives at sea.

Leaving the country is a personal choice, but dying in the process should never be the price of seeking a better life.

The time has come for the government, security agencies, the media, communities and Nigerian youths to work together. We must make our country a place where young people can dream, work and succeed without having to risk everything including their lives for greener pastures.

Nigeria’s youths are not a burden. They are one of the country’s greatest assets. If we stand together, create opportunities and build the nation we desire, Nigeria can become the better place we are all searching for.