ECOWAS Pushes Jobs Agenda to Curb Irregular Migration
• Urges member states to expand youth employment, tighten anti-trafficking laws
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The ECOWAS Parliament has called on governments across West Africa to make the creation of decent and sustainable jobs for young people a top priority, warning that unemployment and shrinking economic opportunities continue to fuel irregular migration and human trafficking across the region.
The regional legislature made the call after a week-long citizen engagement in The Gambia, where parliamentarians interacted with young people, returnees, community leaders and other stakeholders to identify the root causes of irregular migration and recommend solutions.
