Abidjan, Ivory Coast – Amid growing concerns over human trafficking involving Nigerian nationals in Ivory Coast, the leadership of the Nigerian community in the country has made a heartfelt appeal for unity and collaboration. Their message is clear: safeguarding the lives and futures of vulnerable Nigerians, especially children, must be a shared responsibility.
This call comes in the wake of a viral video by popular social media activist VeryDarkMan, which spotlighted the plight of trafficked Nigerian girls in Ivory Coast. The video, which mentioned the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and its Chairperson, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, sparked a wave of public reactions both at home and abroad.
Responding to the fallout, Mr. Onwuchelu Michael Emeka, President of the Nigerian Community in Ivory Coast, clarified the community’s position, emphasizing that their engagement with the activist was driven solely by a desire to find lasting solutions—not to incite division.
“Our meeting with VeryDarkMan was done in good faith, guided by a shared commitment to tackle the human trafficking crisis affecting our people,” he said. “We were not aware the outcome would cause such controversy. Our intent was never to create division or discredit any government institution.”
Mr. Emeka stressed that the way forward must be rooted in collaboration, not confrontation.
“We believe that NIDCOM and advocates like VeryDarkMan can work hand-in-hand in the interest of our children. Advocacy and official efforts must align to achieve real impact. We must build bridges, not walls,” he added.
He also praised the efforts of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and NIDCOM for their continued commitment to the Nigerian diaspora’s welfare, underscoring the importance of cooperation between all stakeholders.
“We appreciate the Nigerian Embassy in Ivory Coast and Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa for their tireless efforts. Advocacy plays a crucial role in exposing these hidden crimes, and now more than ever, we must focus on victim protection and prevention.”
To strengthen ties and foster deeper dialogue, the Nigerian community in Ivory Coast plans to embark on a series of courtesy visits to key stakeholders in Nigeria, including NIDCOM, to ensure strategic alignment in addressing the trafficking crisis.
“We owe it to our people—especially the younger generation—to unite in purpose. The safety and dignity of Nigerians abroad must remain a collective priority,” Mr. Emeka emphasized.
In a related development, VeryDarkMan announced via Instagram that a donation of ₦20 million has been made through the Movement for the Voice of the Innocent (MVOI) to NAPTIP to aid the rescue and rehabilitation of trafficked children.
He stated: “On behalf of the RATEL MOVEMENT, I donated the sum of ₦20 million to NAPTIP through the MVOI to help bring back trafficked children from Ivory Coast and assist other victims. We urge all security agencies to protect our children—especially the girl child—by securing our borders.”
Meanwhile, Nigerian philanthropist and Air Peace CEO, Dr. Allen Onyema, has pledged to support the safe return of the trafficked girls back to Nigeria free of charge, further reinforcing the spirit of unity and collective action.
The message from the Nigerian community in Ivory Coast is strong and clear: Together, we can protect our children and end the scourge of trafficking.
