A Non-Governmental Organisation, CLEEN Foundation, has begun a three-day awareness programme in Badagry and Seme border communities on the ECOWAS free movement protocol and risks of illegal migration.
The programme, holding in Seme, is organised in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), supported by European Union (EU).
The programme is attended by community leaders, representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and the Badagry Communities Youth Association (BCYA).
Others are leaders of the Igbo and Hausa/Arewa communities in Badagry and Seme.
Speaking at the programme on Thursday, the Executive Director of the foundation, Mr Peter Maduoma, described the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol as a cornerstone of regional integration in West Africa.
The director noted that while the protocol guarantees lawful mobility within member states, communities must be well informed to distinguish between regular and irregular migration.
According to him, illegal migration often exposed individuals to exploitation and security risks.
“Since adoption of ECOWAS protocol on free movement of persons, right of residence and establishment in 1979, the region has made significant progress in facilitating mobility and strengthening migration while emerging migration challenges.
“The purpose of the sensitisation is to increase awareness of migration-related rights and responsibilities based on the ECOWAS protocol and strengthen community-based mechanism for migrant support and protection,” he said.
Speaking at the end of the training, the Coordinator of CLEEN Foundation, Blessing Abiri, said participants had been able to learn and relearn key provisions of the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol.
“Several long-held assumptions and misconceptions about migration and documentation were clarified.
“Many participants were previously unaware that citizens of member states can reside in another country for up to 90 days without a visa if they possess valid travel documents,” she said.
Abiri said that beyond awareness, the goal was for participants to return to their communities equipped to cascade accurate information, promote safe migration practices, and reduce misinformation that often drives irregular migration.
Mrs Olaitan Agbabiaje, the facilitator, described the sessions as highly interactive and practical.
She said group discussions, open-floor contributions, and real-life scenarios enabled participants to relate the ECOWAS Protocol to challenges faced in border communities, making the sensitisation solution-oriented and impactful.
Chief Bokoh Joseph, Baale (traditional head) of Oblogbo Community, said the sensitisation provided him with deeper insight into migration governance and community responsibility.
He pledged to sensitise residents to be more vigilant and observant of unusual movements while respecting the rights of lawful migrants.
Also, Mr Muhammed Bello, Chairman of the Arewa Community in Seme-Badagry, commended the organisers for including ethnic groups in the engagement.
He said the sensitisation clarified the 90-day provision under the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol and highlighted the importance of proper documentation.
He said that he is now better positioned to educate members of his community on lawful migration practices, peaceful coexistence, and the dangers associated with illegal migration.
NAN reports that the three-day programme is expected to culminate in the establishment of a Community Stakeholders-Led Committee (CSLC) and a Migration Information Hub, which will serve as a one-stop resource for migrants and the public.