By IFEANYICHUKWU PRECIOUS KANU

When news emerged in April 2025 that dozens of migrants had died while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea from Libya to Europe, the reactions were predictable. Social media erupted with outrage, international organisations renewed warnings about irregular migration, and governments promised to intensify efforts against human trafficking and migrant smuggling. Yet, after the headlines faded, the dangerous journeys continued.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 2,300 migrants died or went missing on Mediterranean migration routes in 2024, making it one of the world’s deadliest migration corridors. Thousands of these migrants originated from African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and Eritrea.

This raises an important question: Why do young Africans continue to risk everything despite knowing the dangers?

The answer goes beyond the activities of traffickers. It lies in the widening gap between the aspirations of Africa’s growing youth population and the economic realities they face at home.

In Nigeria, the phenomenon popularly known as “Japa” has evolved from a slang expression into a national conversation. What initially described the migration of highly skilled professionals has become a broader aspiration among students, graduates and young entrepreneurs seeking economic security abroad.

The numbers reflect this trend. Data from the estimates that over 16,000 Nigerian doctors have left the country in the last decade, while the reported issuing more than 15,000 verification certificates in 2023 alone to nurses seeking employment abroad. These figures illustrate a sustained migration of skilled professionals.

Economic conditions help explain this movement. High youth unemployment, persistent inflation, rising living costs and insecurity have made stable livelihoods increasingly difficult. Many graduates spend years searching for employment, while small businesses struggle with rising operating costs and unreliable infrastructure.

At the same time, success stories from abroad dominate conversations. Families celebrate relatives who send money home from Canada, friends post milestones achieved in the United Kingdom, and classmates announce permanent residency in Germany. Such stories spread rapidly through social media, while accounts of exploitation, detention and death receive far less sustained attention.

This information imbalance creates fertile ground for traffickers.

Nigeria’s foremost anti-trafficking agency, the (NAPTIP), has documented numerous cases involving victims lured with false promises of employment, education and better living conditions overseas. Although states such as Edo have witnessed progress through stronger enforcement and awareness campaigns, trafficking networks have adapted by shifting recruitment to digital platforms. Fake recruitment agencies, fraudulent visa offers and carefully managed social media accounts now serve as powerful tools of deception.

The trafficker’s greatest weapon is not violence; it is hope. Victims often believe they are pursuing legitimate opportunities until they become trapped in systems of debt bondage, forced labour, sexual exploitation or extortion.

Libya remains the clearest example of this crisis. Since the collapse of state authority in 2011, the country has become a major transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe through irregular routes. The United Nations, the International Organization for Migration, and Amnesty International have repeatedly documented abuses including arbitrary detention, torture, forced labour, sexual violence and ransom demands against migrants held by armed groups and criminal networks.

The persistence of this route demonstrates that awareness campaigns alone cannot solve the problem. Many migrants are already aware of the risks. Their decisions are shaped less by ignorance than by the belief that remaining at home offers even fewer opportunities.

For this reason, human trafficking should not be viewed solely as a criminal justice issue. Arresting traffickers and strengthening border controls remain essential, but they address only the symptoms of a much deeper problem.

Effective responses require governments to invest in labour-intensive sectors capable of creating sustainable employment, improve technical and vocational education, expand access to affordable financing for young entrepreneurs, strengthen social protection programmes and improve public confidence in governance. Equally important is expanding safe and legal migration pathways so that desperate young people are less vulnerable to traffickers who exploit irregular routes.

Ultimately, the continued movement of African youth through Libya is not merely a migration story; it is a reflection of unmet aspirations. People do not willingly cross deserts, endure detention camps and risk drowning because traffickers are persuasive. They do so because they believe that dignity, opportunity and security are more attainable elsewhere.

Until African governments create environments where young people can realistically build prosperous futures at home, trafficking networks will continue to exploit hope, and the route from West Africa through Libya to the Mediterranean will remain one of the continent’s most enduring humanitarian tragedies.

IFEANYICHUKWU PRECIOUS KANU
200 Level, Department of Development and Strategic Communication
Abuja, Nigeria

By Aminu Mubaraq

The recent increase in petrol prices following the removal of fuel subsidy has changed the way Nigerians think about transportation and energy consumption. In cities like Abuja and Lagos, where transportation costs have become a major concern for many citizens, the search for a cheaper and more sustainable alternative has become necessary. One solution that has gained public attention is Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Considering Nigeria’s large natural gas reserves, the introduction of CNG appears to be a reasonable step. However, the major question remains whether the initiative is truly solving Nigeria’s energy challenges or whether it is an idea that still requires more preparation before Nigerians can fully benefit from it.

CNG agencies, especially the Presidential CNG Initiative, were created to encourage Nigerians to move away from complete dependence on petrol and diesel. Their responsibilities include promoting awareness, supporting vehicle conversion programmes, developing CNG infrastructure, and training technicians who can handle the conversion and maintenance of CNG-powered vehicles. These activities are important because the success of any energy transition does not depend only on introducing a new system but also on convincing people to trust and adopt it.

From a strategic communication perspective, the way these agencies communicate with the public is one of the most important factors determining the success of the programme. Many Nigerians are interested in cheaper fuel options because of the pressure caused by high transportation costs. However, some people still have concerns about safety, availability, and whether CNG will actually provide long-term benefits. This means that government agencies must go beyond announcements and create continuous communication channels where citizens can ask questions, receive accurate information, and understand the realistic advantages and limitations of CNG.

Another important area of CNG activities is partnership with different stakeholders. Government bodies, private investors, transport unions, and vehicle owners all have roles to play in making the transition successful. Expanding conversion centres and increasing access to refuelling stations require cooperation between these groups. Public awareness campaigns through traditional media, social media platforms, and community engagement can also help Nigerians understand how CNG works and why it is being promoted.

Despite the potential benefits, the CNG transition still faces several challenges. The number of available refuelling stations remains limited compared to petrol stations, and the cost of
converting vehicles can be expensive for many Nigerians, especially commercial drivers who depend on their vehicles for daily income. There is also a need for more public education because some citizens still have doubts about the safety and reliability of using gas-powered vehicles. These challenges show that introducing CNG is not enough; proper planning and effective communication are required to make the initiative successful.

The possible impact of CNG adoption in Nigeria is significant. Economically, it can help reduce transportation expenses by providing a cheaper alternative to petrol. This could reduce the financial burden on commercial drivers, businesses, and commuters. Environmentally, CNG produces fewer harmful emissions compared to traditional fuels, making it a cleaner energy option. However, these benefits can only be achieved if the necessary infrastructure is developed and citizens have confidence in the system.

The importance of CNG agencies goes beyond providing another fuel source. The initiative represents an opportunity for Nigeria to take advantage of its natural resources, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, and improve energy security. It can also create employment opportunities in areas such as vehicle conversion, gas distribution, equipment maintenance, and technical services. For strategic communication professionals, the CNG programme highlights the importance of public relations, transparency, and maintaining a strong relationship between government institutions and citizens.

Although CNG is not a perfect solution to Nigeria’s energy problems, it remains a valuable step towards achieving a more affordable and sustainable energy system. The programme should continue, but improvements are necessary. More investment in infrastructure, better public awareness, and clearer communication strategies will determine whether CNG becomes a practical solution or another government initiative that fails to reach ordinary Nigerians.

In conclusion, the success of Nigeria’s CNG transition depends on more than the availability of natural gas. It depends on effective planning, public trust, and the ability of relevant agencies to communicate their goals clearly. If properly managed, CNG can contribute significantly to reducing energy costs and improving Nigeria’s transportation system. However, without addressing current challenges, the initiative may struggle to achieve the impact it promises.

Aminu Mubaraq Asuku

Department of development and strategic communication
University of Abuja

By ELAIGWU SOLOMON
June 25th, 2026.

The All Progressives Congress, popularly called APC, is one of the major political parties in Nigeria. It was formed in 2013 through a merger of several opposition parties that wanted to challenge the then-ruling PDP (People’s Democratic Party). The party was created by the merger of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), part of APGA and the nPDP faction of PDP politicians. The ultimate goal was to unite the opposition into one strong political force. APC became important when they made history in the 2015 Nigerian presidential election when its candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, defeated then-president Goodluck Jonathan.
That was the first time an opposition party peacefully defeated a ruling party in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Today, APC remains the ruling party in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

When the All Progressives Congress (APC) came into power in 2015, millions of Nigerians believed the party would bring major transformation to the country. Campaigning with the slogan “Change,” the APC promised to improve security, fight corruption, revive the economy, and provide better governance. These were their core reforms for the country, and over a decade later, opinions remain divided over whether those promises were fulfilled or not.

One of the strongest promises made by the APC was the fight against insecurity, especially Boko Haram insurgency in the north-eastern part of Nigeria. At the beginning of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the military recorded several victories against Boko Haram, reclaiming territories once controlled by bandits. Some kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls were also rescued during the administration.
However, despite these achievements, insecurity continued to spread across different parts of the country. Kidnapping, banditry, and attacks by armed groups increased in many northern states, while clashes between farmers and herders remained a challenge. Many Nigerians therefore believe the government only achieved partial success in the area of security.

The APC government also promised economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. While the administration embarked on several infrastructure projects, including railway modernization, road construction, and bridge development, economic hardship continued to affect millions of Nigerians.
Nigeria experienced economic recessions during the APC administration, while inflation and unemployment rates rose significantly. The value of the naira weakened against foreign currencies, leading to increased prices of goods and services.

The recent removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in May 2023 further increased transportation costs and living expenses across the country. The policy was introduced to stop the drain on government budget and redirect funds to other sectors. In response, the government announced palliatives, CNG buses, and wage adjustments to cushion the effect on citizens. However, many citizens continue to struggle with the rising cost of food, transport, and other essentials. Although government officials insist the policy is necessary for long-term economic stability, the immediate impact shows change delivered in policy boldness, but delayed in relieving citizens.
Economic analysts say that despite visible infrastructural projects, the average Nigerian has not fully experienced the economic “change” promised during the 2015 campaigns.

The fight against corruption was another major pillar of APC’s campaign. During its tenure, anti-graft agencies such as the EFCC intensified investigations into corruption-related cases, while the whistleblower policy led to the recovery of some stolen public funds.
However, critics accused the government of selective justice, claiming that corruption allegations were pursued more aggressively against opposition figures than members of the ruling party. Several corruption scandals involving government officials also weakened public confidence in the anti-corruption campaign.
Political observers argue that although efforts were made to address corruption, the problem remains deeply rooted within the nation’s political system.

Now, infrastructure development is one of the promises that is majorly credited to the APC administration by political analysts. Significant projects such as the Lagos-Ibadan railway completed in 2021, the Second Niger Bridge commissioned in 2022, the Abuja-Kaduna rail line, and major highway constructions were completed and rapidly modernized. These projects improved connectivity and reduced travel time for Nigerians. However, other shortcomings such as maintenance challenges and slow progress on rural roads hindered this success.

Although APC is still in office till today, we journey towards the 2027 elections and there is a big question surrounding the future of APC, which is: Has the promised “change” since 2015 actually materialized?

Over a decade later, APC’s change can best be described as delayed and partial. Security improved against Boko Haram but threats like banditry and kidnapping continued . The fight against corruption began with recoveries and policies, yet selective justice claims weakened trust. Infrastructure grew with rail, bridges, and roads, but economic hardship and rising cost of living hit citizens hard. The promise of change started and some results are visible, but full delivery is still pending as Nigeria moves toward 2027.

By ELAIGWU SOLOMON wrote from University of Abuja