Leading Voices Call for Urgent Action to Address Root Causes of Irregular Migration

BANC Foundation Urges Safer Migration Pathways at Anti-Irregular Migration Summit in Abuja

Abuja, Nigeria - October 2024 - Prominent African leaders, scholars, and activists are calling for a coordinated and proactive approach to tackle the root causes of irregular migration across the continent. Speaking at the "Anti-Irregular Migration Summit" hosted by the Blacks Ancestral Native Communities (BANC) Foundation, attendees emphasized the urgent need for African governments to create safer migration pathways and address the socioeconomic drivers that compel many to embark on dangerous journeys abroad.

The summit, titled "Japa Conundrum," featured notable speakers, including Dr. Chibuzor Ephraim Onyeama, Founder and CEO of BANC Foundation; Prof. Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, renowned Kenyan lawyer and activist; and BANC Foundation Chairman, Sani Bako. The event brought together policymakers, civil society leaders, and international organizations to devise actionable strategies to curb the alarming rise in irregular migration.

Addressing the Root Causes

Dr. Onyeama highlighted the dangerous consequences of irregular migration, describing it as a "profound human tragedy" that subjects individuals to exploitation, human trafficking, and perilous journeys across the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea. He called on African governments to address poverty, unemployment, political instability, and poor educational systems-factors that drive millions to seek opportunities abroad, often at great personal risk.

"Migration, when pursued through legal channels, can unlock opportunities, but irregular routes often close doors permanently," said Onyeama. He also announced the launch of BANC Foundation's new initiative, "STARCARE"-focused on sensitization, training, advocacy, rehabilitation, and reintegration-as a key part of the foundation's efforts to provide viable alternatives to irregular migration.

Collaborative Action

BANC Foundation Chairman, Sani Bako, echoed the call for comprehensive reforms, noting that corruption is a common factor underlying the migration crisis across African nations. "Irregular migration has negative consequences for both sending and receiving countries, as well as the individuals involved. We must strengthen border controls, establish transparent asylum systems, and create regular migration channels," Bako said. He emphasized the need for collaboration among governments, international organizations, NGOs, and local communities.

Bako also stressed the foundation's commitment to preventing human trafficking and supporting the integration of migrants. "Our mission is grounded in compassion, justice, and solidarity. Through research, advocacy, and community engagement, BANC will work tirelessly to amplify the voices of migrants and address the systemic issues driving this crisis."

The Global Context

In his keynote address, Prof. Lumumba underscored the broader political and economic context fueling irregular migration. "Good governance creates the oxygen that the economy needs to breathe. When the economy breathes, opportunities arise," he remarked, calling for political reforms, investment in agriculture, and innovation as essential to reversing the migration trend.

Dr. Anthony Chibo, a guest lecturer at the event, revealed that over 1.3 million Nigerians had migrated irregularly in the past five years, with many losing their lives or falling into human trafficking networks. He urged African leaders to prioritize entrepreneurship, technology, and education as long-term solutions to migration challenges.

A Call for International Cooperation

The summit concluded with a unified call for stronger international collaboration to combat human trafficking, protect vulnerable migrants, and promote safer migration pathways. BANC Foundation urged destination countries to establish more transparent and accessible legal migration routes, reducing the reliance on traffickers and criminal networks that exploit vulnerable populations.

"This marks a significant milestone in our efforts to address one of the most pressing issues of our time," said Sani Bako. "By working together, we can create a future where migration is a choice, not a necessity."

For media inquiries, please contact:

BANC Foundation Communications
MICHIGAN AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60601

Email: connect@banc.africa
Phone: +1 (705) 333-4393
Website: https://banc.africa

About BANC Foundation

The Blacks Ancestral Native Communities (BANC) Foundation is a non-governmental organization dedicated to addressing the challenges of irregular migration, human trafficking, and the empowerment of African youth through education, advocacy, and community engagement.

This release was published on openPR.