Otti Seeks Stronger South-East Cooperation to Promote Safe Migration

Abia Governor Alex Otti has called for greater cooperation among South-East states to address irregular migration and create conditions that encourage young people to pursue safe and productive opportunities.

Otti made the call while emphasising the need for regional collaboration to tackle the factors driving young people towards unsafe migration routes.

He said governments in the region needed to work together to expand economic opportunities, strengthen skills development and provide better prospects for young people within the region.

The governor stressed that migration itself was not the problem, but that irregular and unsafe migration exposed young people to exploitation, trafficking and other dangers.

He said coordinated policies among the South-East states would help address the root causes of unsafe migration while ensuring that people who choose to migrate could do so through legal and safer channels.

Otti also highlighted the importance of creating an environment where young people could acquire relevant skills, establish businesses and contribute to economic development within the region.

He said stronger collaboration among governments, development partners and other stakeholders would be necessary to achieve sustainable solutions.

The governor's position comes amid wider efforts to promote safe migration, protect migrants from exploitation and address the economic and social factors contributing to irregular migration among Nigerian youths.