The Chartered Institute of Social Work Practitioners of Nigeria (CISWON) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling irregular migration and human trafficking, declaring a nationwide “zero tolerance” stance and calling for systemic reforms to address the root causes driving young Nigerians abroad.
Speaking at the Institute’s ongoing national conference in Enugu, the National President and Chairman in Council, Professor Oluwayemisi Obashuru John,
said the organisation’s mission is anchored on promoting human dignity, social justice, and economic empowerment through homegrown solutions.
“Our mission is rooted in local content and self-reliance,” she said. “By championing homegrown approaches, we are not just addressing the problem of trafficking; we are building a resilient, independent society where people do not feel compelled to leave the country through irregular means.”
Professor John noted that the Chartered Institute of Social Work Practitioners, which began in 2009 and became chartered in 2022, has grown from just 200 members at inception to over 15,000 members worldwide.
She highlighted the Institute’s partnerships with international agencies such as USAID, UKAID, and Italian development organisations, adding that the body has implemented numerous projects focused on the welfare of women, children, and vulnerable groups.
Among the Institute’s major interventions, she said, are fistula repair and rehabilitation programmes, as well as ongoing campaigns against female genital mutilation and human trafficking.
“We have worked with stakeholders across the nation to ensure the protection of women and children,” she noted. “Currently, we are implementing the Afom (an Ibibio word for it’s well) Project 2, which focuses on combating irregular migration and human trafficking.”
Fielding questions from journalists, Professor John explained that the problem of irregular migration is not purely economic but deeply social and structural.
“Contrary to popular belief, irregular migration is not only caused by poverty—it is also a social issue rooted in dignity, justice, and human rights,” she said. “Why would someone risk their life on an irregular route when safer options exist? It is because the system here is not functional enough to meet their needs.”
She attributed the persistence of human trafficking and migration to factors such as unemployment, weak social structures, and digital influences that create unrealistic perceptions about life abroad.
“Many believe the grass is greener outside, but that’s merely perception,” she stressed. “People migrate irregularly because of frustration at home. If we fix our system and make it work, they will have no reason to leave.”
The CISWON president revealed that the Institute maintains close collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other networks working against child trafficking and exploitation.
“We work in synergy with NAPTIP and several NGOs. But despite the efforts of over 400 organizations nationwide, irregular migration continues because many Nigerians still believe their future lies abroad,” she said.
She, however, emphasized that the Institute now prefers to use the term “irregular migration” rather than “illegal migration”, explaining that the issue should be treated as a social problem requiring structure and documentation—not criminalization.
Professor John used the occasion to urge both government and stakeholders to address what she described as the “syndrome of wait-hood”—a systemic culture that leaves young Nigerians waiting endlessly for opportunities that never come.
“We must ask ourselves how far the government is willing to go to genuinely help the youth,” she said. “We keep hearing about youth empowerment, but are we empowering the youths—or enriching adults under the guise of empowerment?”
She warned that neglecting the youth could worsen irregular migration, saying,
“If we abandon our young people, we push them into the hands of traffickers and into dangerous migration routes. Our position as an Institute is clear—the system must be restructured and made functional. The failure is collective, and so the success must also be collective.”
Prof. John also stated that the conference will featured paper presentations, interactive sessions, and state chapter parades from Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Rivers, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Bayelsa, Enugu, Delta, Osun, Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, Katsina, Jigawa, and Benue States.
Induction at various levels, including associate, full membership, and fellowship categories, in recognition of their contributions to social work and community development will also take place during the conference.
Professor John expressed optimism that the conference communiqué would strengthen advocacy, influence policy reforms, and promote sustainable social welfare practices across Nigeria.
“We hope that, at the end of this conference, our communiqué will shape future advocacy and policy decisions aimed at eradicating human trafficking and irregular migration once and for all,” she concluded.
