On Tuesday, 20th May 2025, the Chairman of Cross River State Diaspora Commission CRIDCOM, Hon. Otu Okor in a bid to foster a working partnership that promotes regular and legal emigration, led his team on a courtesy visit to the Comptroller of Immigration Service, Cross River State Command, Mrs PC Ogbodo.
During the visit, Hon. Okor emphasised the need for collaboration to educate the public on proper avenues for travelling abroad, thereby reducing irregular emigration. "Our partnership will help create awareness about the proper channels for travelling out of Nigeria," he stated.
Comptroller Ogbodo welcomed the CRIDCOM team and highlighted the importance of addressing migration issues from the grassroots level. She noted that the Immigration Service is equipped with automated systems and interconnected equipment to identify smugglers and traffickers, stressing the need for migrants to use legal channels.
According to her, "If we can handle issues from the grassroots, then the impact would be better than treating it from the top. There is a rampant trend migration, using the wrong channels; so, migrants need to be educated on how legal channels.
"We are presently connected to Inerpol, and we have equipment that are automated as well as interconnected; with the capacity to fish out smugglers and those involved in trafficking."
Mrs Emily Madueke, CRIDCOM Commissioner, reiterated that "Nigerians need to be properly educated on how to get their appopraite travel documents, to avoid unnecessary national embarrassment. If you must travel; then travel right."
CRIDCOM pledged to support this initiative through community-based advocacy, aiming to reduce the vulnerability of individuals to trafficking.
This partnership is expected to have a positive impact on promoting regular migration and reducing the risks associated with irregular emigration.
