The quest for security and economic emancipation is at an alarming level as more than 37,000 Nigerians migrated to Italy in 2016.
This figure was given by the President of Italy’s Chamber of Deputies, Laura Boldrini when she paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara yesterday in Abuja.
Boldrini did not specify whether the immigrants entered Italy legally or otherwise. She however emphasized her country’s support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
Boldrini also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for securing the release of 82 girls who were kidnapped from Chibok, Borno State three years ago, she expressed willingness of Italy’s parliament to collaborate with its Nigerian counterpart to address the challenges faced by victims displaced by Boko Haram attacks, as well as the trafficking of people, especially young girls and women, to Italy.
The Italian Chamber of Deputies President expressed concern over the suffering of UN agencies, working to provide aid for IDPs. She called on the international community continues to provide aids for the victims of terrorism.
Dogara, expressed appreciation over her visit and stressed the need for the education and economic empowerment of citizenry. Calling for partnership between the two countries to stop the tide of illegal immigration and terrorism in Nigeria, he said one of the ways the feat can be achieved is through economic development, which is a sure way to empower people to get out of poverty and resist the lure to engage in crime or risk travelling to Europe through the Mediterranean Sea.
He further added that it is the quest for a better life that motivates Nigerians and other nationalities to embark on risky journeys across the Mediterranean Sea in hopes of getting a better life in Europe.
To check the menace, Dogara, urged Italy to invest in the economy of Nigeria, stating, “the truth is that for us to deal with terrorism, illegal migration, trafficking and cross border crimes, we have to address the issue of bringing prosperity to sister countries so that citizens are catered for and jobs are provided.’’
He called for more world partnership in the fight against terrorism, as well as the donation of aid for resettlement of displaced persons and victims of terrorism, saying democracy is a way of governance that caters for all.
The two heads of parliament visited an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Kuchigoro, Abuja, where they had a first hand view of their living conditions, after which the Italian parliament president promised to offer assistance to the IDPs.
