By Nefishetu Yakubu
The Chairman Association of Private Schools Owners of Nigeria in Edo, Mr Imoukhede Elakhe on Wednesday, has observed that hostile policies of government and high rate of unemployment are bane of irregular migration in Nigeria.
Elakhe made this known during a town hall meeting organised by Migrants As Messengers (MaM), a group under the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Benin.
Elakhe stated that findings had shown that most young people who migrated under irregular circumstances were motivated by bad government policies and unemployment.
“Even those who established businesses on their own are being confronted with payment of different taxes that hinders the growth of the business.
“Young people embark on this very risky journey due to policies that have made it almost impossible to run a business.
“The high rate of unemployment and the quest for better life for their families is also another factor responsible for irregular migration,” he said.
He appealed to government at all levels to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive to reduce unemployment in the country.
He said that the creation of migration clubs in schools was the best approach to tackling irregular migration in the state.
The Chairman urged IOM to provide the financial backing to properly establish the clubs to drive the message.
According to him, the collaboration of all partners is key to building a better society and advancing the welfare of everybody.
He, however, appealed to the Management of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to look into the issue of young children brought into the state as househelps.
Responding, Mrs Ijeoma Uduak, the Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Benin Zonal command, noted that having a househelp was not a crime.
“It becomes a crime when we notice some element of exploitation. We have often said that the age limit for househelp should be 15 years and above.
“We have also advocated that these househelp between the ages of 15 and 17 should be in schools while 18 years and above can choose whether to be in school or learn skills,” she said.
NAN
