Stranded Abroad: Why Thousands Of Nigerians Risk Everything To Escape At Any Cost

Why Thousands Of Nigerians Risk Everything

It’s a heartbreaking headline that Nigerians are becoming all too familiar with: thousands of their countrymen stranded in foreign lands, abandoned dreams cut short by hunger, deception, or failed escape routes. The latest revelation that over 7,000 Nigerians are currently stuck in Libya has reignited national debates on why so many young men and women keep risking everything — including their lives — to flee the country…..CONTINUE READING

At first glance, it’s easy to dismiss these desperate journeys as reckless or ill-advised. After all, why head to a war-torn Libya or attempt the deadly Mediterranean crossing when the dangers are clear? But beneath the surface lies a deeper truth: irregular migration is less about poor decision-making and more about the crushing realities at home.

A Grim Statistic That Speaks Volumes

The revelation came from Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), during the launch of the International Organisation for Migration’s (IOM) 2025–2027 Strategic Plan for Nigeria in Abuja.

“As we speak, 7,000 Nigerians are stranded in Libya. In 2025, people will still travel through the desert to die,” she warned.

It wasn’t just a number — it was a mirror held up to Nigeria’s fragile socio-economic state. Hunger, unemployment, insecurity, and hopelessness are pushing thousands to leave, even when the odds of survival are terrifyingly slim.

Beyond Libya: A Pattern of Pain

The Libya story isn’t isolated. Just recently, 78 Nigerians trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire were rescued and flown back home. Similar rescue operations happen across Africa almost monthly. For many, Libya isn’t even the final destination — it’s just a stopover on the way to Europe, often cut short by traffickers, militias, or sheer bad luck.

Behind every repatriation flight is the story of dashed dreams: young people lured by promises of “greener pastures” abroad, only to find themselves stuck in detention camps, forced labor, or worse.

Why Nigerians Keep Fleeing

It’s not difficult to understand why. Daily life in Nigeria has grown unbearably harsh:

• Unemployment & Inflation – The soaring cost of food and essentials has turned survival into a privilege. Many households can’t afford basic meals.

• Insecurity – From Boko Haram insurgents to kidnappers and bandits, violence has become routine. Families are uprooted, farmlands abandoned, and safety uncertain.

• Hopelessness – With little faith in government reforms or economic recovery, many youths see migration as their only chance at dignity.

One former Katsina lawmaker even noted that some Nigerians see Libya — despite its own instability — as safer and economically stronger than Nigeria. That grim comparison says it all.

Expert Voices: A Call to Action

Migration experts and civic leaders are nearly unanimous: unless Nigeria fixes its economy and security, the exodus will only grow.

As Dr. Pogu Bitrus of the Middle Belt Forum put it, “What you see is a true reflection of our reality. As long as there is insecurity, people will migrate.”

Similarly, migration advocate Osita Osemene argued that deception also plays a role — traffickers paint false pictures of Europe or neighboring countries, trapping desperate Nigerians in cycles of exploitation. But the root cause, he insists, is simple: fix Nigeria, and migration numbers will drop.

The Bigger Picture

Nigeria’s stranded migrant crisis isn’t just about individuals making “bad choices.” It’s a symptom of a nation in distress. People don’t trek through deserts, risk drowning in the Mediterranean, or accept slave-like conditions abroad because they want adventure. They do it because staying home feels like a death sentence — either from hunger, violence, or hopelessness.

Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads

The image of 7,000 Nigerians stranded in Libya should not just spark pity; it should spark policy. For every stranded migrant abroad, there are countless more at home plotting similar journeys.

Nigeria has the resources, talent, and resilience to reverse this trend. But unless leaders urgently address the root problems — hunger, joblessness, insecurity, and corruption — the exodus will continue.

In the end, the choice is stark: fix Nigeria, or watch its people keep running from it.

US Oil Firm Vaalco Eyes Return To Nigeria As FG Pushes For Energy Sector Revival

The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its determination to restore investor confidence in its oil and gas industry, as American energy company Vaalco Energy signaled its intention to return to Nigeria after years of absence.

During a high-level meeting in Abuja with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the U.S.-based independent oil and gas producer expressed strong interest in re-entering Nigeria’s upstream sector. According to the minister’s spokesperson, Nneamaka Okafor, discussions centered on creating a competitive investment climate and supporting the company’s acquisition of assets in the country.

Government’s Pitch: Global Incentives for a Competitive Market

Lokpobiri used the occasion to reassure international oil firms that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to rebuilding trust with foreign investors.

“The government of President Bola Tinubu is particularly interested in creating a better environment for companies that were once here but left for various reasons to return,” Lokpobiri said. “We are prepared to offer incentives comparable to the best available globally.”

This aligns with Tinubu’s broader economic reforms, which include unifying the foreign exchange market, removing costly fuel subsidies, and strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal framework to attract fresh capital inflows.

Why Vaalco Left, and Why It Wants Back In

Vaalco Energy, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, previously operated in Nigeria before exiting amid regulatory uncertainties and stiff competition from larger international oil companies. The company has since maintained a strong presence in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, where it operates offshore oil blocks and continues to expand production.

Its renewed interest in Nigeria is tied to its planned acquisition of Svenska Petroleum Exploration’s Production Sharing Contract (PSC) interest in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 145, a highly prospective offshore asset with significant reserves potential.

During the Abuja meeting, Vaalco’s Managing Director, Pieter Van der Groen, made it clear that Nigeria remains a strategic investment destination for the company.

“We are here to seek regulatory guidance for acquiring Svenska’s interest in OML 145, but more importantly, to return to Nigeria and invest in a stronger way,” Van der Groen said. “As a New York Stock Exchange-listed company, we have access to funding to develop the assets we acquire. We are not here to sit on them; we are here to produce.”

A Welcome-Back Signal for Other Investors

For Nigeria, Vaalco’s renewed interest represents more than just one company’s return. It is a symbolic signal to the global investment community that Africa’s largest oil producer is once again open for business.

Lokpobiri underscored this point, noting that companies which return after past experiences often become the strongest ambassadors of Nigeria’s business climate.

“It is gratifying for us as a nation when those who have worked here become ambassadors, speaking of how friendly and conducive Nigeria is for business. We are glad to welcome you back,” the minister stated.

Policy Reforms and the Petroleum Industry Act

A major part of Nigeria’s investment pitch lies in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which was signed into law in 2021 after decades of delay. The PIA provides fiscal stability, legal clarity, and a more transparent governance framework — all issues that previously discouraged international oil companies.

Lokpobiri assured Vaalco that the current policy framework guarantees long-term stability for investors.

“Your renewed presence will help us ramp up production and achieve our national energy objectives. Together, we can build a future of shared growth and prosperity,” he said.

Nigeria’s Urgent Need to Boost Production

Nigeria’s oil industry has struggled in recent years due to underinvestment, oil theft, and ageing infrastructure. Production levels have often fallen short of the country’s OPEC quota, weakening foreign reserves and reducing government revenues.

According to data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigeria produced an average of 1.4 million barrels per day in mid-2023, well below its 1.8 million bpd OPEC allocation. The Tinubu administration has pledged to restore output to at least 2 million bpd in the short term.

Analysts say fresh investment from companies like Vaalco could help Nigeria:

• Modernize offshore production assets.

• Expand gas development projects to support domestic power generation and export ambitions.

• Strengthen foreign exchange earnings critical for stabilizing the naira.

US-Nigeria Energy Cooperation

Vaalco’s planned return also highlights growing U.S. interest in Africa’s energy security. American firms, once highly active in Nigeria’s oilfields, had reduced operations over the past decade, ceding ground to European and Asian competitors.

A U.S.-based analyst noted that Vaalco’s renewed interest could encourage other mid-tier American independents to reconsider Nigeria. “If Nigeria can demonstrate policy stability and attractive incentives, it could trigger a new wave of U.S. investment in the oil and gas sector,” the expert said.

Local Content and Community Benefits

As part of Nigeria’s petroleum framework, any re-entry by Vaalco will be expected to comply with Nigerian Content laws, which mandate local employment, procurement, and training.

Industry watchers believe that Vaalco’s experience in Africa positions it to work effectively with Nigerian regulators and communities. Its ability to access funding through Wall Street also makes it well-placed to deliver on its production commitments.

Outlook: A Test Case for Tinubu’s Energy Reforms

Ultimately, the Vaalco deal is more than a corporate transaction. It is a litmus test for the Tinubu administration’s pledge to rebuild trust in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Success could unlock billions of dollars in fresh investment, while failure could discourage other potential entrants.

For now, the mood is cautiously optimistic. Vaalco appears committed, the government is making overtures, and Nigeria’s petroleum sector — long in need of revival — may finally be regaining momentum.

DNA Testing Surge Across Africa Uncovers Shocking Family Secrets

By Sediq Mutari

In recent years, DNA testing has rapidly gained momentum across Africa, reshaping families, legal systems, and cultural dynamics. Once a rare and expensive procedure, the accessibility of DNA paternity and ancestry tests has surged, creating both clarity and conflict in households across the continent and the diaspora.

A Growing Trend

According to data from Global Market Insights, the global DNA testing market surpassed $10 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow significantly in Africa, where demand is driven by family-related disputes, migration processes, and medical research. In Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa in particular, laboratories report a steady increase in requests for paternity testing.

Dr. Aisha Mohammed, a geneticist based in Lagos, noted that demand for paternity testing has more than doubled in the past five years. “We are seeing men, women, and even grandparents come forward for clarity. Some do it for peace of mind, others for legal reasons such as inheritance or custody battles,” she explained.

Shattering Family Bonds

While DNA tests bring scientific certainty, they also expose hidden truths that destabilize family harmony. Stories of men discovering they are not the biological fathers of children they have raised for years have become increasingly common.

In a widely reported case in Ghana last year, a man who requested a DNA test during a custody dispute discovered that none of his three children were biologically related to him. The revelation triggered divorce proceedings and a lengthy legal battle. Similar cases are emerging in courts across Africa, where DNA evidence is now routinely accepted in custody and inheritance disputes.

Legal experts warn that this growing reliance on DNA testing is creating an emotional and cultural shift. “In African traditions, fatherhood has often been defined by care and responsibility, not just biology. The rise of DNA testing challenges that notion,” said Professor Kwame Boateng, a sociologist at the University of Ghana.

The Diaspora Effect

The African diaspora has also played a role in fueling the DNA testing wave. African-Americans and Afro-Caribbeans have increasingly turned to ancestry testing kits offered by companies such as 23andMe and AncestryDNA to trace their roots. According to a report by BBC News, these tests have created emotional reunions and, in some cases, painful realizations about lost family connections due to slavery and migration.

Back on the continent, younger Africans are increasingly curious about their heritage. Companies like African Ancestry and MyHeritage have expanded marketing campaigns targeting Africans eager to learn about tribal and ethnic origins. However, critics warn that data privacy remains a major concern, with some governments yet to establish strong regulations on genetic data storage and use.

Legal and Ethical Challenges

The surge in DNA testing has also introduced new legal and ethical dilemmas. Family lawyers in Nigeria and South Africa report that paternity disputes are clogging courts, with some men refusing to pay child support unless a DNA test confirms their biological ties.

Governments are beginning to respond. In Kenya, for instance, the High Court recently ruled that DNA testing should not be imposed without consent, citing human rights and privacy concerns. Similarly, South Africa has introduced guidelines to regulate private laboratories offering genetic testing.

Medical professionals also highlight ethical concerns. “DNA testing should not be used as a weapon to destroy families. It must be handled with counseling and legal safeguards,” warned Dr. Mohammed.

The Human Cost

Beyond the legal and cultural debates, the human cost of DNA revelations is evident. Children often face emotional trauma when they learn about disputed paternity. In some cases, family units disintegrate entirely, leaving mothers or fathers isolated and children caught in the middle.

A 2022 report by UNICEF warned that children subjected to parental disputes over DNA results are at risk of neglect, abuse, and psychological harm. Counselors recommend family therapy before and after the release of DNA test results to minimize long-term damage.

Global Context

Globally, the rise of DNA testing is not unique to Africa. In the United States, a survey by Pew Research Center found that 27% of adults have taken an ancestry DNA test, often uncovering family secrets that led to divorces, estrangements, and legal disputes. In China, the government strictly regulates genetic testing, citing security concerns. Meanwhile, in Europe, strict data protection laws govern how DNA samples and results are handled.

The African experience, however, is shaped by unique cultural traditions, economic realities, and family structures, making the consequences of DNA revelations particularly intense.

Looking Ahead

Experts suggest that Africa needs a balanced approach to this growing phenomenon. While DNA testing offers undeniable scientific clarity, it must be coupled with robust legal frameworks, ethical oversight, and family counseling support.

“Science is giving us the truth, but society must decide how to handle that truth,” said Professor Boateng.

As the DNA testing trend continues to expand, African families—and indeed societies at large—are grappling with a new era where biology, tradition, and identity collide in deeply personal ways.