Open Letter to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Senior Special Adviser to the President on Diaspora Affairs

Date: October 3, 2024

Dear Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa,

Subject: Urgent Intervention Required for Nigerian Women Facing Severe Exploitation in Bamako, Mali

Calvary greeting to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope and trust 

 that  this letter will  reach  you in good health and sound mind.  I extend my deepest appreciation for your tireless efforts in ensuring the safety and welfare of Nigerians in  diaspora. The proactive steps NIDCOM has taken under your leadership to protect our citizens abroad have been commendable. So far you have given a good account of your sewardship as an asset to the  Government and good people of Nigeria.

Yet , Government  being a work in Progress, I must bring to your urgent attention a situation that requires immediate and decisive intervention.We have just watched a heart-wrenching video presentation featuring Nigerian women, predominantly young girls, who are currently held in Bamako, the capital of Mali. Their pleas for help painted  a grim picture of the unbearable conditions they are enduring. These women, many of whom have been victims of human trafficking, shared their stories of untold suffering, exploitation, and hardship. The details of their plight are disturbing and necessitate urgent governmental intervention.

The Nature of the Crisis

These Nigerian women in Bamako have been trapped in conditions akin to modern-day slavery. Their testimonies reveal that they were deceived with false promises of better opportunities but have instead found themselves in a foreign land, subjected to diverse  extreme forms of abuse, forced labor, and exploitation. Many of them are held against their will, with no means of escape, and are subjected to inhumane living conditions, including inadequate access to food, medical care, and personal freedom as  they have become sex tool.Their physical and mental health is deteriorating, and they live in constant fear for their lives.

The gravity of this crisis cannot be overstated. These women have been cut off from their families, and their only hope of rescue lies in the intervention of the Nigerian government. Their desperation is palpable in their appeals, and they have specifically called on NIDCOM and the Nigerian authorities to come to their aid.

Humanitarian Urgency: 

Why The  Appeal/ Request Demands  Immediate Attention

The women are suffering physically, emotionally, and mentally. Their conditions, as reported, are degrading and violate basic human rights. We must act now to prevent further harm.

National Responsibility: 

As Nigerian citizens, it is the duty of the government to protect them, regardless of their location. Their plight reflects not only a failure in human trafficking prevention but also highlights the urgent need for stronger safety nets for Nigerians who find themselves in dangerous circumstances abroad.

Diplomatic Implications: 

The situation presents a diplomatic concern, as the wellbeing of our citizens in foreign lands is a reflection of our nation’s global standing. It is therefore  crucial that we engage with the Malian authorities and international organizations to secure their immediate release and safe repatriation.

Combating Human Trafficking: 

The stories of these women are a painful reminder of the rampant human trafficking problem in West Africa. Their plight underscores the importance of increased vigilance, international cooperation, and stronger deterrents against traffickers who exploit our citizens. NIDCOM's leadership in raising awareness and collaborating with relevant international bodies is vital in this fight.

Requested Actions

I humbly urge you, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in your capacity as the Chairman of NIDCOM and Senior Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Diaspora Affairs, to:

Initiate Immediate Rescue Efforts: Collaborate with the Nigerian Embassy in Mali and relevant Malian authorities to ensure the swift release and safe return of these Nigerian women. They need urgent relocation to safe spaces where they can receive adequate care.

Establish a Task Force on Human Trafficking: In coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and international agencies, should form a task force specifically dedicated to addressing the plight of trafficked Nigerians abroad, particularly in West Africa.

Strengthened Border Control and Awareness Campaigns:

To prevent the recurrence of such incidents, it is crucial that NIDCOM partners with agencies such as the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and immigration authorities to increase vigilance at our borders. Awareness campaigns in high-risk areas must be intensified to educate young Nigerians on the dangers of trafficking.

Legal Action Against Traffickers:

We implore NIDCOM to work alongside relevant agencies to ensure that those responsible for trafficking and exploiting these women are brought to justice. Collaborative efforts between Nigerian and Malian law enforcement agencies can serve as a deterrent for future occurrences.

Provide Medical and Psychological Support: Upon their return, these women will require comprehensive medical, psychological, and social support to recover from the trauma they have endured. We must ensure they are reintegrated into society with dignity and hope for the future.

Launch a Nationwide Awareness Campaign: Human trafficking continues to be a menace, and many young Nigerians fall victim to false promises of better lives abroad. NIDCOM should work with relevant agencies to sensitize communities across Nigeria, particularly in vulnerable regions, about the dangers of trafficking and the tactics used by traffickers.

Engage International Partners: 

Explore partnerships with international human rights organizations, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations, to bolster Nigeria’s efforts in combating human trafficking and supporting its victims.

Conclusion

The Nigerian women currently suffering in Bamako, Mali, are in dire need of our assistance. Their cries for help demand an immediate and robust response. The actions taken by NIDCOM and the Nigerian government will not only save their lives but will send a strong message that the Nigerian state stands firm in protecting its citizens, no matter where they are. It is time for Nigeria to assert her Authority on the continent. Recently, during  the last UN General Assembly,President Bola Ahmed TINUBU correctly  demanded  that  Nigeria should be given a security seat in the UN Security  Council.That request is very correct because we are long overdue for the UN Security Seat slot.

However, when we come back home and we are looking at issues at  the regional level such as this kind of expedition to  Mali, Nigeria should be up and coming.A proactive action is one of  the things expected from a Continental power house like Nigeria. 

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, l  have full confidence in your leadership, 

 and trust that NIDCOM will act swiftly and decisively to bring these women home safely. We owe them a future free from fear and suffering, and their rescue will be a testament to our collective resolve to protect every Nigerian citizen.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter of national interest. I look forward to positive and immediate action on behalf of these Nigerian women.

Thanks and God bless

Long Live the federal Republic of Nigeria!

Yours faithfully,

Comrade Wilson Macaulay Enameguolor General Secretary Socioeconomic Network For Good Governance Network aka SONGG Delta State Chapter