Protecting Nigerians Living Abroad: A Call for Urgent Foreign Policy Reform

Recent murders of Nigerians abroad, including the tragic death of an artist in Ghana, highlight serious flaws in Nigeria’s foreign policy. With nearly 300 citizens killed overseas since 2016, the need for action is urgent. The government must prioritize protection and justice, while Nigerians abroad should respect local laws.

The plight of Nigerians abroad has come under sharp scrutiny, particularly in light of recent violent incidents that expose weaknesses in Nigeria’s foreign policy. A tragic case in point is the murder of Destiny, an 18-year-old Nigerian artist, who was killed in Ghana’s Volta Region. Reportedly, a fellow Nigerian accused him of mishandling funds from a business venture, leading to a brutal invasion of his residence and his tragic death.

Between 2016 and 2023, The PUNCH reports nearly 300 Nigerians have been killed extrajudicially outside the country, with a rising crisis in South Africa due to xenophobic attacks, which have reportedly led to the deaths of over 200 Nigerians. Among these was Elizabeth Ndubuisi-Chukwu, who was found dead in her hotel room in Johannesburg in June 2019, raising questions about the safety of Nigerian professionals abroad.

The alarming incidents continue even into 2023, with a Winnipeg police officer reportedly killing Afolabi Opaso, 19, during a mental health crisis. Additionally, a tragic case in the Philippines involved the murder of Ikem Chukwubuikem, a Nigerian medical student, who fell victim to a violent reprisal, underscoring the dangers faced by Nigerians abroad. Furthermore, 16 Nigerian pilgrims were shot by Burkinabe soldiers while traveling in Burkina Faso, amplifying concerns over Nigerian nationals’ safety.

The ongoing maltreatment of Nigerians overseas raises an urgent need for justice, yet many victims are left without recourse. This situation reflects Nigeria’s broader failure to protect its own citizens, both domestically and internationally. The country’s lack of urgency in addressing these deaths—exemplified by delays in repatriating Nigerian boxer Oluwasegun Olanrewaju’s remains—highlights this issue. His death occurred in March, but his remains were not flown back until nearly three months later.

In stark contrast, countries like the United States and Israel are known for their robust protection of citizens abroad, actively assisting victims of crime and ensuring timely support. The US Bureau of Diplomatic Security, for example, provides information on safety while helping citizens navigate their legal recourse in foreign nations.

Economically, Nigerians abroad are critical, sending over $20 billion in remittances back home, which accounts for 6.0 percent of Nigeria’s GDP as of 2024. Therefore, the Nigerian government must take strategic actions to safeguard its citizens abroad and pursue justice for victims of violence.

However, while advocating for safety, Nigerians living abroad must also uphold the laws of their host countries and engage in responsible conduct. Compounding these issues is the lack of appointed ambassadors—President Bola Tinubu has yet to fill these key positions, a situation deemed unacceptable given pressing challenges.

Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the abandonment of the Nigerian embassy in Tehran amid conflict in the region, which raises further questions about governmental priorities. With over a million Nigerians residing in the United States and similar numbers in the UK, it is crucial for the leadership to confront the root causes of mass migration.

Still, there are troubling reports of Nigerians pursuing opportunities in unstable nations like Libya and Iraq, often facing extreme hardship. This reality serves as a reminder that seeking life abroad is fraught with challenges, and many would do well to recognize the opportunities that exist within Nigeria itself.

As such, the Nigerian government must prioritize the safety and protection of its citizens as the cornerstone of its foreign policy, ensuring that the lives of Nigerians around the world are valued and safeguarded.

Only with determined efforts can the country begin to rectify these systemic failures and provide its citizens the safety and support they rightfully deserve.

Nigerians abroad face significant dangers, highlighted by recent violent incidents and the lack of governmental support. With nearly 300 citizens murdered extrajudicially overseas, the need for urgent action in foreign policy is clear. The Nigerian government must prioritize the protection of its citizens and address the root causes of migration, while Nigerians must also act responsibly abroad. Overall, safeguarding citizens should be at the forefront of Nigeria’s foreign policy.

Original Source: punchng.com