The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has written to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu SAN and National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), urging immediate action to address the neglect and challenges faced by Nigerian citizens in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
In a letter dated March 6, 2024, addressed to the Minister and signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, deep concerns were raised regarding the reported neglect of Nigerian citizens in Ivory Coast by Ambassador Martins Adamu. Adamu allegedly openly admitted to prioritizing diplomatic matters over the welfare of Nigerian citizens. The letter highlighted significant issues such as communication barriers, limited access to essential embassy services, and challenges such as exorbitant prices for NIN registration, human trafficking, and incarceration.
HEDA urges the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to conduct a thorough review of the Ambassador’s performance and the alleged neglect of diplomatic responsibilities towards the Nigerian community in Ivory Coast.
In the same vein, HEDA also wrote to the Director-General, of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, calling the agency’s attention to the disturbing reports of Nigerians incarcerated and facing challenges such as sexual trafficking. “We urge NAPTIP to launch a comprehensive investigation into allegations of human trafficking. This investigation should aim to identify and dismantle trafficking networks, rescue victims, and provide them with necessary support and assistance.
Additionally, HEDA further charged the Chairman, of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu SAN to investigate the allegations of extortion and corruption in the National Identification Number (NIN) Registration process being conducted by the Nigerian embassy in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. “We received a call via our toll-free line on a recent happening where an exorbitant fee of (20,000 CFA, approximately N44,000) had been charged to a Nigerian resident by the embassy for NIN registration imposing undue financial burden on the Nigerian community.
“We suspect these excessive fees to be a form of corrupt practice, potentially violating relevant Ivorian and Nigerian laws. We therefore urge the ICPC to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into these allegations. HEDA demands that the investigation should examine the fee structure, identify the discrepancies, and determine whether embassy officials are engaging in corrupt practices.
The Civil Society organization also further requests appropriate punitive actions against any individuals found to be involved in such activities, as addressing these concerns is crucial to ensuring transparency, accountability, and fair treatment for Nigerians residing in Ivory Coast and everywhere outside the country.
HEDA stressed the importance of transparency, open communication, and proactive measures to address the needs and concerns of the Nigerian community in Ivory Coast.