The recurring incidents of violence and harassment against Nigerians living abroad have laid bare the glaring deficiencies in Nigeria’s foreign policy. The recent killing of 18-year-old Destiny, a budding musician from Edo State, in Ghana’s Volta Region, has once again highlighted this disturbing trend.

Destiny was reportedly attacked and killed by a group of Nigerians residing in Ghana, allegedly over a business dispute. His death, marked by brutal violence in his own apartment, underscores the vulnerability of Nigerians overseas and the apparent lack of protective mechanisms by the Nigerian government.

Tragically, Destiny’s case is far from isolated. From 2016 to 2023, over 300 Nigerians reportedly lost their lives to extrajudicial killings outside the country. Among the most notorious hotspots is South Africa, where xenophobic violence has claimed the lives of more than 200 Nigerians.

Notable Cases Reflect Deep Systemic Failure

Several high-profile deaths further illustrate the widespread failure to safeguard Nigerian lives abroad. In June 2019, Elizabeth Ndubuisi-Chukwu, a deputy director-general at the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, was found dead in her Johannesburg hotel room under suspicious circumstances. Her death bore signs of strangulation, yet justice remains elusive.

In December 2023, Canadian police in Winnipeg fatally shot Afolabi Opaso, a 19-year-old Nigerian, during what was described as a mental health crisis. Similarly, in the Philippines, six Chinese men reportedly murdered Nigerian medical student Ikem Chukwubuikem after framing him for sexual assault. His death was linked to a dispute over compensation involving his girlfriend.

Another shocking incident occurred in Burkina Faso in 2023, where 16 Nigerian pilgrims from the Tijaniyat Islamic sect were gunned down by Burkinabe soldiers en route to Senegal.

These cases collectively reveal a troubling pattern: Nigerians abroad routinely suffer grave abuses, often without accountability or justice. Sadly, the trend mirrors domestic conditions where even in their own country, Nigerians frequently face injustice and impunity.

Diplomatic Inaction Amplifies the Crisis

Nigeria’s response to these tragedies has consistently lacked urgency and coordination. When Nigerian boxer Oluwasegun Olanrewaju collapsed and died in Ghana during a boxing match in March 2024, it took authorities more than two months to repatriate his remains—an appalling delay that underscores the government’s failure to act swiftly in protecting its citizens.

Such delays are unthinkable for countries with robust foreign policies. Nations like the United States and Israel prioritize the protection of their citizens worldwide. Through agencies like the US Bureau of Diplomatic Security, American citizens receive timely updates on local risks and swift assistance if harmed abroad.

In contrast, Nigeria’s embassies and diplomatic missions often appear absent or inactive during crises. A recent viral video allegedly showed Nigeria’s embassy in Tehran deserted amid escalating military tensions between Iran and Israel—at a time when other countries were evacuating their citizens.

To make matters worse, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has failed to appoint new ambassadors following the recall of previous envoys in September 2023. This diplomatic vacuum only worsens the situation, leaving Nigerians abroad with little support or representation.

Diaspora Nigerians: A Vital Economic Engine Left Unprotected

This lack of commitment is particularly disheartening given the economic contributions of Nigerians living abroad. In 2024, remittances from the diaspora exceeded $20 billion, accounting for about 6% of Nigeria’s gross domestic product. These funds help sustain families, support businesses, and stabilize the economy.

Despite their importance, diaspora Nigerians remain neglected. The government’s inability to ensure their safety, provide timely consular services, or pursue justice in their cases sends a discouraging message to those who continue to contribute to the nation’s growth from afar.

Personal Responsibility and Conduct Abroad

While the government must urgently improve its foreign policy, Nigerians abroad also bear the responsibility to conduct themselves lawfully. Avoiding criminal activities, respecting local laws, and acting responsibly remain crucial to their safety and public perception.

Nevertheless, most Nigerians abroad are law-abiding, yet they still suffer undue targeting, harassment, and violence, often with little recourse.

Mass Migration and Its Underlying Causes

Nigeria’s political leadership must confront the deep-rooted issues that fuel mass migration. Over one million Nigerians currently reside in the United States, while nearly two million live in the United Kingdom. Between 2005 and 2024, Canada granted citizenship to over 71,000 Nigerians, excluding the many still living, working, or studying there without citizenship.

Driven by poverty, insecurity, and lack of opportunities, some Nigerians even venture to high-risk countries like Libya, Iraq, and Mali. Many fall prey to human trafficking, modern slavery, or outright violence—painful consequences of migration driven by desperation and misinformation.

Reimagining the Nigerian Dream

It’s crucial for Nigerians to understand that life abroad isn’t always a paradise. Many face racism, discrimination, and hardship in their host countries. Appreciating and investing in opportunities at home could offer a more sustainable path for growth, especially in a nation as resourceful and resilient as Nigeria.

Despite Nigeria’s many challenges, the country still presents potential for those with entrepreneurial drive and commitment to change. Strengthening domestic systems and providing security and economic opportunity will not only stem the tide of migration but also restore citizens’ confidence in their homeland.

A Call for Bold Foreign Policy Reform

Ultimately, protecting Nigerian lives—at home and abroad—must become a non-negotiable pillar of the country’s foreign policy. The federal government must act with urgency by appointing competent ambassadors, empowering consulates to intervene effectively, and ensuring every Nigerian life counts.

No nation prospers while its citizens are hunted, harassed, or neglected globally. Nigeria must rise to the challenge, stand up for its people, and reestablish its dignity on the world stage.