Dublin, Ireland – The Nigerian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr. Mazudu Obi, has called on the Irish government to include Nigeria in its list of “safe countries” for asylum determinations. This statement comes in the wake of a significant rise in asylum applications from Nigerian nationals to Ireland.
Speaking at a press conference in Dublin, Dr. Obi assured that Nigeria remains safe for its citizens, attributing the increase in asylum applications to economic challenges and misinformation rather than genuine safety concerns.
“Nigeria has made tremendous progress in addressing security challenges and fostering economic reforms,” Dr. Obi stated. “The safety concerns presented by some applicants often exaggerate the realities on the ground.”
Recent data from the Irish Refugee Council shows that Nigerian nationals represent one of the largest groups seeking international protection in Ireland. In response, Dr. Obi urged Irish authorities to review and categorize Nigeria as a safe country, a designation that could lead to faster processing and dismissal of unfounded claims.
Efforts to Combat Challenges
The Nigerian ambassador highlighted the measures taken by the Nigerian government to address longstanding security and economic issues. These include bolstering counter-terrorism operations in the northeast, reducing nationwide crime rates, and implementing policies to create jobs and enhance the livelihood of Nigerians.
While acknowledging that challenges remain, Dr. Obi stressed that these are not unique to Nigeria and are actively being tackled. “The narrative of widespread insecurity does not reflect the current realities of our country,” he said.
Response from Irish Authorities and Advocacy Groups
The Irish government has indicated its intention to review Nigeria’s status under its international protection framework. If deemed a safe country, Nigeria’s asylum applicants could face stricter requirements to substantiate their claims.
This potential change has prompted concern among immigration advocacy groups, who argue for a more individualized assessment of asylum cases. “Labeling Nigeria as a safe country could undermine the legitimate claims of individuals genuinely at risk,” said Fiona Murphy of the Irish Refugee Council.
Call for Collaboration
Dr. Obi concluded by emphasizing the need for closer cooperation between Nigeria and Ireland to address the root causes of migration. “We value our strong relationship with Ireland and remain committed to fostering understanding and partnership for the mutual benefit of both nations,” he said.
As the conversation around migration policies continues, this development adds to the ongoing dialogue about balancing humanitarian concerns with immigration controls.