As the European Parliament is considering the way to go on the motion for resolution on the ongoing breaches of human rights in Nigeria brought forward by MEP Gianna Gancia, the EU should take into consideration the plight of many Nigerians who board on flights to Europe to excuse human rights abuses at home.

As it stands, at the centre of the migration crises of Africans to Europe is a feeling of helplessness of youth in the face of human rights abuses in their countries. In a spring 2018 survey, 45% of Nigerian adults said they plan to move to another country sometime within the next five years – by far the highest share of any country surveyed. Many say they want to escape violence. 

This is not unusual for a government that is infamous for repressing human rights. Last year, Amnesty International reported more than 56 people killed across the country in protest against the now-defunct unit of the Nigerian Police Force called the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The first commemoration of the #EndSARS movement on October 20, 2021 was marred by similar incidents that sparked the protests in the first place. Muhammadu Buhari, the President of the country, described these grievances as child’s play.

The recent coups in Guinea and Sudan show that democracies in African countries are ever in need of eternal vigilance, and firm commitments to it from home and abroad are welcome.…