By Milcah Tanimu
Speaking before world leaders in New York, President Tinubu highlighted the pressing issue of illegal migration in West Africa, emphasizing its profound impact on regional security and prosperity.
He somberly stated, “Our entire region is entangled in a prolonged struggle against violent extremists. Amid this turmoil, a sinister trade inhumanely thrives. Along this path, human lives are commodified – men, women, and children alike.”
President Tinubu underscored the astonishing risks involved in these perilous journeys, spanning the harsh Sahara desert and treacherous Mediterranean Sea, where “thousands gamble with their lives in pursuit of a brighter future.”
Additionally, he lamented the unfortunate reality that many migrants often find themselves in low-paying jobs upon reaching their intended destinations, fueling instability in African nations and compounding regional challenges.
President Tinubu noted, “Simultaneously, mercenaries and extremists, armed with deadly weapons and toxic ideologies, encroach upon our region from the north.”
He emphasized that this detrimental flow not only destabilizes West Africa but also carries far-reaching consequences for the entire African continent.
In a resolute call to action, President Tinubu declared, “African nations will bolster their economies to prevent our people from risking their lives in foreign lands. We will also commit ourselves to dismantling extremist groups within our borders.”
