President Muhammadu Buhari has said that his administration is not in support of Nigerians travelling abroad illegally for greener pastures.
The president who made reference to illegal immigrants who defy the desert and Mediterranean to get to Europe spoke while hosting the German Chancellor, Angela Markel, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday.
He however said any Nigerians stranded would be helped back home by the government.
His words: “Firstly I’m against those my country men and women that illegally travel to Europe. I believe you know the ECOWAS protocol encourages free movement of persons, goods and services.
“For those going to Europe, we are not as an administration agreeing with those who continue to defy the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean because they feel there are greener pastures there, whether they are prepared for it or not. We do not support anything illegal and indiscipline.
“About six weeks ago, we repatriated 3,000 Nigerians who were stuck in Libya on their way to Europe. You must have read in the papers and watch on the television the number of Nigerians lost in the Mediterranean.
READ ALSO: 2019: Saraki picks presidential nomination form
“We have made it very clear that we do not support anything illegal and anybody who feels this country does not offer him what he should to be offered as a citizen and decide to defy the desert and the Mediterranean is doing it at his own risk.
“But if he is stuck somewhere in Libya between his final destination and Nigeria, we will rescue him and bring him back home and send him back to his local government.”
In her speech, Merkel who praised the government for the steps taken in the area of agriculture said the problem of illegal immigrants could be solved through job creation.
He therefore advised the government to do more in that area.
He also commended the government in the fight against insurgency.
Merkel emphasized the importance of Nigeria and said her country would continue to maintain good relationship with it.
