Dimanche Sharon: Nigerians Shouldn’t Risk Their Lives to Seek Better Future Abroad

For many Nigerians, the dream of a better life abroad has become so compelling that they are willing to risk everything to pursue it, sometimes through dangerous and irregular routes. But behind the images of success often shared on social media lie stories of exploitation, trafficking, trauma, debt and, tragically, death. In this interview with Michael Olugbode, International Organisation for Migration’s Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Ms. Dimanche Sharon, warns Nigerians against gambling with their lives, urging them to pursue opportunities abroad only through safe, orderly and regular migration pathways

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rregular migration is often discussed in terms of numbers and statistics. From your experience, what does the human cost of irregular migration actually look like for migrants and their families?

 Every statistic has a name. It has a face. And behind every face is an individual—a woman, a man, a child and a family. Irregular migration is, above all, a human story. People migrate with hope and aspirations. They want to find decent work, pursue education, improve their livelihoods and build a better future for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, too often, many people who embark on these journeys end up experiencing exploitation, and the reality they meet is very different from the dreams they had before leaving home. Many face human trafficking, violence, detention, family separation and, in some cases, death. The human cost is not only measured by lives lost; it is also measured by dreams that have been interrupted and opportunities that have disappeared. Some people spend years saving money for these journeys. Others sell their homes, land or other valuable possessions to finance their migration. Sadly, many eventually return home with nothing, carrying huge debts and struggling to know where to begin rebuilding their lives. Families also suffer greatly. In many cases, relatives are left waiting for answers about their loved ones who are travelling through irregular routes. They may not know where they are, what they are experiencing or whether they are safe. Recently, during activities marking the International Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we heard stories of young men who had been deceived and trapped in criminal compounds. Some were lured with promises of jobs and better opportunities abroad but ended up being exploited. After a raid on one of these locations, authorities had difficulties identifying victims and they were placed in detention for months, in some cases close to a year, while the situation was resolved. This shows the deep human cost of irregular migration. Families experience anxiety, uncertainty and emotional distress because they often have no information about what is happening to their loved ones. At IOM, we believe that nobody should have to risk their life in order to improve their life. The objective of migration is to create a better future, but when people take dangerous irregular routes, they end up putting that very life at risk. Our mission is to ensure that migration is safe, orderly and regular while protecting the dignity and rights of every migrant.

Many Nigerians embark on irregular migration journeys because they are searching for better opportunities. What are some of the realities they encounter along these routes?

This is an important question because social media often shows only the destination. It shows the success stories and the images of people who appear to have made it abroad, but it rarely shows the dangerous journey behind those images. Many Nigerians leave home with genuine dreams and aspirations. They want better jobs, better opportunities and a better life. However, along irregular migration routes, many encounter realities that are extremely painful. Migrants may face dehydration while crossing deserts such as the Sahara, exploitation by smugglers, detention for ransom, abuse by traffickers, violence and months or even years stranded in transit countries without protection. The challenges do not always end when they reach their destination countries. Many continue to face exploitation, forced labour, abuse and difficult living conditions. The deepest wounds are often invisible. Many returnees come back carrying trauma, debt and the emotional burden of dreams that did not become reality. I will share the story of a young Nigerian woman I met recently in Edo State. She was promised a better opportunity abroad. She discussed it with her mother, and together they decided to support the journey. Her mother sold a property to raise money for the migration process. However, when she arrived abroad, what she found was completely different from what she was promised. She experienced exploitation and abuse. She became sick and did not know where to turn for help. She eventually managed to escape; she was afraid to return home. She felt ashamed because she was returning to a home where she had nothing left, having sold her property before leaving. She feared being seen as someone who had failed. She even faced pressure from some relatives who advised her not to return but to continue searching for another opportunity abroad despite the trauma she had experienced. Eventually, her mother encouraged her to come home. Through collaboration between the Nigerian Government and IOM, she received support to rebuild her life. Today, she is part of a cooperative, she has acquired land, she is building a livelihood and she is able to send her child to school. She now has hope again. The lesson from this story is that migration itself is not the problem. The problem is unsafe migration. Our responsibility is to ensure that people have access to accurate information and regular migration pathways before making life-changing decisions. At the same time, we must work with government and partners to address the reasons why people migrate in the first place. Migration should be a choice, not something people undertake out of desperation.

From your experience, what are the major factors driving irregular migration among Nigerians?

There are several factors. People migrate because they have dreams and aspirations. They want better jobs, improved livelihoods and opportunities to support their families. When these opportunities are not available, people naturally look for alternatives. In Nigeria, we are currently experiencing several challenges, including climate-related pressures. Flooding, drought and other climate shocks are affecting livelihoods and forcing some people to leave their communities. Climate change also contributes to competition over natural resources, which can increase conflict and displacement. When people lose their livelihoods and become vulnerable, traffickers often take advantage of their situation. Traffickers target people who are desperate. They approach them with promises of jobs, education and a better future, knowing that these individuals are searching for opportunities. Another major factor is lack of information. Many people do not understand the proper migration process. They may not know that travelling legally requires visas, documentation and proper procedures. A trafficker may simply promise someone, “Give me money and I will take you to Europe,” or “I will arrange a job for you abroad.” Because the person lacks the right information, they believe the promise and become vulnerable. So, lack of opportunities, poverty, climate challenges, displacement and misinformation are some of the key factors driving irregular migration.

How does irregular migration expose migrants, particularly women, children and young people, to trafficking and other forms of exploitation?

Irregular migration creates opportunities for traffickers because it pushes people outside formal systems of protection. When people travel through unsafe and unregulated channels, they become more vulnerable to exploitation. Women and girls face particularly high risks of sexual exploitation, gender-based violence and other forms of abuse. Children are also extremely vulnerable, especially those travelling alone, separated from their families or moving without adequate protection. Young people are often targeted with false promises of jobs, education and opportunities that simply do not exist. Traffickers know that young people are looking for a better future, and they exploit those hopes. From the cases we have supported, including those assisted in collaboration with the Nigerian Government, a significant number of trafficking victims are women and children. This shows how vulnerability increases the risk of exploitation. Whenever there are situations such as poverty, climate-related displacement, conflict or loss of livelihoods, women and children are often among those most affected. These conditions create opportunities for traffickers because they prey on people who are desperate and searching for solutions. Protecting migrants must begin long before they start their journey. It requires accurate information, strong protection systems and safe migration pathways. It is important to understand that addressing trafficking is not only about legal measures. We must also look at the social and economic factors that make people vulnerable in the first place.

You have worked with thousands of returnees over the years. Are there particular stories or experiences that stand out when migrants reflect on their journeys?

One message comes through repeatedly whenever we interact with returnees: “I wish I had known the truth before I left.” Most returnees do not regret wanting a better future. That desire is natural. People want to improve their lives and support their families. What many regret is making life-changing decisions based on misinformation, false promises and unrealistic expectations. However, their stories are also stories of resilience. We have seen many returnees overcome extremely difficult experiences and rebuild their lives when they receive the right support. Some have rebuilt businesses, returned to school, found meaningful employment and become advocates for safer migration. They use their experiences to educate others and prevent young people from making the same mistakes. One returnee told us, “I would not wish even my worst enemy to go through what I experienced.” Many survivors say that they survived their journeys and now want to use their voices to ensure that others do not experience the same suffering. Their experiences remind us that hope must be guided by facts and accurate information, not false promises.

Human trafficking remains a profitable criminal activity despite efforts by governments and organisations to stop it. What do you think is sustaining this illegal business?

Human trafficking continues because it operates in a very secretive and complex manner. It is an underground crime, and traffickers are constantly changing their methods. Previously, when people talked about trafficking, the focus was often on physical journeys—people being taken through deserts, crossing borders and then being exploited. Today, trafficking has taken a different form. Criminal networks are increasingly using technology, including social media platforms and artificial intelligence, to deceive and recruit victims. They use platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn and other online channels to advertise fake jobs and opportunities. They create convincing stories and build trust with victims before exploiting them. The networks are also highly organised and connected. They can operate across different countries and sometimes even exploit weaknesses within official systems. I will share an example of a young Nigerian man who became a victim. He had lost his mother and his job and was desperately looking for an opportunity to restart his life. While using Facebook, he saw an advertisement offering employment opportunities in Thailand. He clicked on the advertisement and was connected through WhatsApp to someone who claimed to be arranging jobs abroad. The person requested his travel documents and promised to organise everything, including his ticket and visa. The process appeared very legitimate. They even had video calls, making him believe he was communicating with a real person. Within a short period, everything was arranged, and he travelled. At the airport in Abuja, the person communicating with him asked him to send pictures and confirm that he was there. Shortly afterwards, his travel arrangements were completed. When he arrived in Thailand, someone met him and other Nigerians at the airport. They were taken through several locations and eventually their passports were confiscated. They were later transported to another country where they were forced to participate in online scams. What was shocking was that the person he had been communicating with through video calls was not actually a real person. Artificial intelligence technology had been used to create a fake identity and deceive him. This shows how technology is now being misused by traffickers. Other factors also sustain trafficking, including poverty, corruption and the huge profits criminals make from exploiting vulnerable people. That is why it is important for governments, civil society organisations, communities and individuals to work together to strengthen protection systems, improve awareness and ensure that migration governance structures are effective.

What are some of the physical, psychological and social impacts that survivors of trafficking and exploitation continue to face long after they return home?

For many survivors, returning home is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of recovery. Many returnees continue to live with physical injuries, trauma, anxiety, depression, financial difficulties and stigma. These challenges can make rebuilding their lives extremely difficult. Recovery is about much more than simply bringing someone back home. It is about restoring dignity, rebuilding confidence and creating opportunities for people to move forward. A person who has experienced exploitation may return physically safe but emotionally damaged. They need support to regain confidence and reintegrate into their communities. That is why comprehensive support is important.

How is IOM supporting survivors of trafficking and vulnerable migrants to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities?

Recovery is most successful when it restores livelihoods and dignity. At IOM, we provide different forms of support, including healthcare, mental health and psychosocial assistance, education support, vocational training, livelihood assistance and legal referrals. We do not use a one-size-fits-all approach because every returnee has a different story and different needs. People have experienced different forms of trauma and require support that is tailored to their specific circumstances. We also work closely with the Nigerian Government and communities to reduce stigma and promote social inclusion. Successful reintegration is not only about the individual. It is about creating an environment where returnees can rebuild their lives with dignity, hope and opportunity. So far, we have supported more than 68,000 returnees to come back home safely and in a dignified manner. We have also provided reintegration support to more than 53,000 people through economic, psychosocial and community-based interventions. All these efforts have been carried out in close partnership with the Nigerian Government, which remains at the forefront of migration management efforts.

What role can families and communities play in preventing young people from falling victims to trafficking networks and dangerous migration schemes?

Families and communities are the first line of protection. They have a very important role to play in ensuring that people, especially young people, are protected from traffickers and unsafe migration journeys. When young people feel heard, supported and have access to accurate information, they are less likely to fall victim to traffickers and smugglers. Prevention begins with conversations. Families need to create an environment where young people can openly discuss their dreams, aspirations and challenges. Communities must also provide information and opportunities that allow young people to make informed choices. However, we must also recognise that families can sometimes unintentionally contribute to the problem through pressure. Some young people decide to migrate because they feel they are being judged for not succeeding financially. They compare themselves with others who have travelled abroad and appear successful. I remember speaking with some returnees who explained that they left partly because of pressure from family members. They were constantly reminded that their friends or neighbours had travelled abroad, built houses, bought cars and were supporting their families. They were asked, “What are you still doing here? Why can’t you also travel and succeed?”

That kind of pressure can make young people feel like failures and push them into accepting dangerous offers from traffickers. In some cases, families even borrow money or sell property to finance these journeys. When the person leaves and experiences exploitation abroad, they may feel unable to return because they are ashamed or because they are worried about the debt the family has incurred. Some survivors have told us they remained trapped in abusive situations because they felt they could not return home empty-handed. Families must understand that returning home is not failure. If someone finds themselves in danger, they need support and encouragement to come back and rebuild their lives. The family should be a place of protection, not a source of pressure

You have spoken extensively about the role of families. What about government? What more can be done to reduce irregular migration and trafficking?

The Nigerian Government has been doing a lot, and throughout all our interventions, government has remained a key partner and leader. At IOM, we work closely with government because migration management cannot succeed without government leadership. When returnees are coming back, government agencies are involved in the process—from preparations before arrival to reception at airports and support at transit centres. For example, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has played a critical role in facilitating the rescue and return of trafficking victims. Beyond operational support, government has also developed policies and frameworks to address migration challenges, including migration policies and anti-trafficking strategies. Nigeria has also been active in implementing global frameworks such as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Government is also leading awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of trafficking and irregular migration. However, we must also address the underlying causes that push people into unsafe migration. Poverty remains a major driver. Efforts aimed at reducing poverty, improving livelihoods and creating opportunities are important because people should migrate by choice, not out of desperation. Migration should be an option people choose after considering opportunities, not something they are forced into because they see no alternative. 

 Awareness campaigns against irregular migration and trafficking are often concentrated around government programmes. Do you think enough is being done in schools, religious institutions and communities to reach young people before they make migration decisions?

Human trafficking is a very complex and hidden crime, and awareness must happen at every level. Families, employers, religious leaders, schools and communities all have responsibilities. Religious leaders, in particular, have an important role because many Nigerians have strong faith and listen closely to messages from their religious institutions. If religious leaders consistently educate their followers about safe migration, human trafficking and exploitation, it can influence attitudes and behaviours. Schools are also important because young people can receive accurate information before they make major decisions about their future. But government cannot do this alone. Everyone has a role to play—the media, communities, families and individuals. The media is especially important because it can help explain what human trafficking is, expose dangers and provide information about safe migration. At the same time, while highlighting the dangers of irregular migration, we should also talk about the positive side of migration. Migration, when done safely and regularly, can contribute significantly to development. Nigeria receives billions of dollars in remittances from citizens abroad, and Nigerians who migrate through legal channels often return with skills, knowledge and innovations that contribute to national development. So the message should not be that migration is bad. The message should be that migration must be safe, regular and responsible.

There is a perception that irregular migration is the only pathway to opportunities abroad. What safer alternatives exist, and how can young Nigerians access regular migration pathways?

Irregular migration is not the only pathway to opportunities abroad. Young Nigerians have several safe and legal options, including education, employment opportunities, skills-based migration and family reunification. Many countries have opportunities for international students, and there are also legal employment pathways for people with specific skills that are in demand. For example, some countries recruit professionals such as doctors, nurses, engineers and other skilled workers through organised migration programmes. Family reunification is another pathway for people who have relatives living abroad and meet the requirements established by those countries. The most important thing is information. Before accepting any migration opportunity, people must verify the information through official sources. When an offer sounds too good to be true, people should take time to confirm whether it is genuine. Many victims are trapped because they receive exciting promises on social media and act quickly without verification. They may think, “This is my opportunity; I do not want to lose it,” and they make decisions without checking the facts. At IOM, one of our priorities is facilitating regular migration pathways. We work with governments to explore opportunities such as education pathways, skills mobility partnerships and other legal channels that allow people to migrate safely. Migration can transform lives, but it should never come at the cost of someone’s safety, dignity or future.

You have highlighted the dangers of irregular migration and trafficking. What are IOM’s key priorities in addressing these challenges?

At IOM, our work is guided by three major priorities. The first is saving lives and protecting people on the move. This involves humanitarian responses, emergency assistance and ensuring that migrants who find themselves in difficult situations receive the support they need. The second priority is finding solutions to displacement by addressing some of the underlying causes that force people to leave their communities. This includes looking at issues such as poverty, conflict, climate change and lack of livelihood opportunities. The third priority is facilitating pathways to regular migration. This involves working with governments and partners to create opportunities that allow people to migrate through safe and legal channels.

These pathways may include education opportunities, employment programmes, skills mobility partnerships and other forms of regular migration. The objective is to ensure that if people decide to migrate, they do so safely, with their rights protected and with access to opportunities that improve their lives.

What message do you have for young Nigerians who are considering irregular migration because they believe it is the fastest route to success abroad?

My message is simple: dream big, but do not gamble with your life. There is nothing wrong with dreaming of a better future. There is nothing wrong with wanting to travel, study, work or improve your circumstances. But no dream is worth losing your life, your freedom or your dignity. Before making any migration decision, seek accurate information. Understand your options. Explore regular migration pathways that protect your rights and your future. Do not allow false promises from traffickers or misinformation on social media to determine your future. At IOM, we believe that people’s aspirations and dreams should never be exploited. Nigerians have the right to dream. They have the right to travel. They have the right to pursue opportunities. But they should be supported to do so through safe, orderly and regular migration pathways. My final message is: dream boldly, decide wisely and migrate safely.

Finally, what would you like Nigerians to remember when considering migration?

Migration can transform lives, but it must be done safely and responsibly. People should not allow desperation to push them into dangerous decisions. They should take time to gather information, verify opportunities and understand the risks involved. Families should support young people rather than pressure them. Communities should provide guidance. Governments and partners should continue creating opportunities for safe migration. Migration is not the problem. Unsafe migration is the problem. Every person has dreams and aspirations, but those dreams should not come at the cost of their safety, dignity or future. So, to every Nigerian considering migration: dream big, but do not gamble with your life. Decide wisely and migrate safely.