By Peter Dansu The Centre for Law Enforcement Education,( the CLEEN Foundation) in a decisive move to promote safe migration and regional i...
By Peter Dansu
The Centre for Law Enforcement Education,( the CLEEN Foundation) in a decisive move to promote safe migration and regional integration has successfully concluded a three-day sensitisation programme for border community stakeholders on the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol and the risks of illegal migration.
Organised in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and supported by the European Union (EU), the initiative drew community leaders, representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), the Badagry Communities Youth Association (BCYA), and leaders from the Igbo and Hausa Arewa communities.
In his welcome address, CLEEN Foundation Executive Director, Mr. Peter Maduoma, described the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol as a cornerstone of West African integration. He stressed that while the protocol guarantees lawful mobility within member states, communities must distinguish between regular and irregular migration, noting that illegal movement exposes individuals to exploitation and security risks.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation Coordinator, Blessing Abiri, highlighted that participants gained clarity on misconceptions surrounding migration and documentation. Many attendees were surprised to learn that ECOWAS citizens can reside in another member state for up to 90 days without a visa if they hold valid travel documents. Abiri emphasised that the programme’s ultimate goal is for participants to return to their communities as informed advocates, promoting lawful migration and curbing misinformation that drives irregular migration.
Facilitator and social worker, Olaitan Areola Agbabiaje, described the sessions as highly interactive, with group discussions, real-life scenarios, and open-floor contributions enabling participants to connect the ECOWAS Protocol to challenges faced in border communities.
Community leaders praised the initiative. Chief Bokoh Joseph, Baale of Oblogbo Community, said the programme deepened his understanding of migration governance and pledged to sensitise residents on vigilance while respecting lawful migrants’ rights. Idris Muhammed Bello, Chairman of the Arewa Community in Seme-Badagry, lauded the inclusion of ethnic communities and affirmed that he is now equipped to educate members on lawful migration practices, peaceful coexistence, and the dangers of illegal migration.
The three-day programme is set to culminate in the establishment of a Community Stakeholders-Led Committee (CSLC) and a Migration Information Hub, envisioned as a one-stop resource for migrants and the public. The initiative aims to strengthen community-led responses to migration challenges and ensure safe, orderly, and regular cross-border movement along the Seme and Owode/Idiroko corridors.
This landmark sensitisation underscores CLEEN Foundation’s commitment to empowering border communities with knowledge and practical tools to promote safe and lawful migration across West Africa.
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