The Desert Is Not a Shortcut to Prosperity: Why Borno Must Act Before More Youths Risk Everything -By Fanna Alhaji Bako

Earlier today, I watched a video of a young man speaking to a group of youths preparing to travel to Algeria in search of better opportunities. His message was heartfelt and sincere. He urged them to remain united throughout the journey, stay loyal to one another, and never abandon a fellow traveller regardless of the challenges they might face. His words reflected genuine concern and brotherhood, but they also exposed a painful reality confronting many young people in northern Nigeria.

Across Borno State and other parts of the North, an increasing number of youths continue to embark on dangerous irregular migration routes across the Sahara Desert. Driven by unemployment, poverty, insecurity, and limited economic opportunities, many believe that leaving Nigeria is the only path to a better future. Unfortunately, what appears to be a journey toward hope often becomes a journey into uncertainty, suffering, and even death.

The Sahara Desert remains one of the world’s deadliest migration routes. Thousands of migrants travel through vast stretches of harsh terrain with little or no access to food, clean water, medical care, or shelter. Many lose their lives to dehydration, hunger, disease, exhaustion, or extreme weather conditions before reaching their destination. Others disappear without a trace, leaving their families with unanswered questions and lifelong grief.

For those who survive the desert crossing, the challenges are far from over. Many fall into the hands of human traffickers, armed criminal groups, or smugglers who exploit their desperation. Some are arrested by border authorities and detained under difficult conditions, while others become stranded in foreign countries without legal documentation, employment, or any means of survival.

The reality awaiting many migrants in countries such as Algeria is often very different from the success stories that inspire others to leave. Instead of finding stable employment and prosperity, many encounter exploitation, discrimination, forced labour, poor living conditions, and constant fear of deportation. Young women face even greater risks, including human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse. In many cases, survival itself becomes a daily struggle.

Irregular migration is therefore not merely a personal decision; it is a complex social, economic, and humanitarian challenge that requires urgent and coordinated action. It reflects deeper issues affecting many communities, including youth unemployment, inadequate access to education and skills development, and limited opportunities for economic advancement.

The Borno State Government, working together with the Federal Government, development partners, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and the media, should intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers of irregular migration. These campaigns must go beyond television and radio broadcasts. They should reach schools, mosques, churches, markets, motor parks, rural communities, and digital platforms where young people actively seek information and interact.

Government ministries responsible for youth development, information, labour, and migration management should collaborate to provide accurate information about the realities of these dangerous journeys. Many young people hear stories of those who succeeded abroad but rarely hear about those who died in the desert, disappeared along the route, or returned home traumatised and empty-handed. Sharing these realities can help potential migrants make informed decisions.

However, awareness campaigns alone will not solve the problem. The most effective way to discourage irregular migration is by creating meaningful opportunities at home. When young people have access to decent jobs, vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and affordable financing, they are far less likely to risk their lives in search of uncertain opportunities abroad.

Governments at all levels should therefore invest more deliberately in skills acquisition programmes, agricultural development, digital innovation, manufacturing, and small and medium-sized enterprises. Supporting youth entrepreneurship and improving access to business capital can transform local economies while reducing the pressure to migrate through dangerous routes.

Creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive is equally important. Many young entrepreneurs possess innovative ideas and the determination to succeed, yet they struggle because of inadequate infrastructure, poor market access, unstable electricity, and limited access to affordable credit. Addressing these challenges would encourage investment and generate sustainable employment opportunities.

As the commercial hub of North-East Nigeria, Maiduguri has enormous economic potential. Establishing a modern mega central market that accommodates traders, manufacturers, artisans, wholesalers, and service providers within a well-planned commercial environment could significantly stimulate economic activities. Such a project would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, attract local and foreign investment, strengthen small businesses, and contribute to the long-term economic development of Borno State.

Community and religious leaders also have a vital role to play. Their influence extends deep into society, and their voices can help reshape the perception that success can only be achieved outside Nigeria. Through mentorship, counselling, and consistent engagement, they can inspire young people to pursue legitimate opportunities while discouraging risky migration.

It is important to emphasise that migration itself is not the problem. Travelling abroad legally for education, employment, business, or professional development has contributed positively to many lives and economies. The concern lies with irregular migration that exposes young people to deserts, traffickers, criminal networks, exploitation, and avoidable tragedy.

Every young person who dies in the Sahara Desert, disappears along migration routes, or falls victim to exploitation represents a painful loss not only to their family but also to Borno State and Nigeria. These are young men and women whose talents, creativity, skills, and energy should be contributing to national development rather than being lost in dangerous journeys that offer no guarantees.

The time has come for decisive and coordinated action. Governments must prioritise job creation and economic empowerment. Communities must educate their young people about the dangers of irregular migration. Families must remain vigilant and offer guidance. Religious and traditional leaders must continue speaking out, while the media should sustain public conversations that promote awareness and hope.

Ultimately, the greatest investment any society can make is in its youth. When young people are given quality education, employable skills, economic opportunities, and reasons to believe in their future, they will no longer see the Sahara Desert as a pathway to prosperity. The real journey toward lasting success begins at home, through opportunity, dignity, and a shared commitment to building stronger communities for generations to come.

Fanna Alhaji Bako student of Mass communication kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri