Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has cautioned Nigerians against travelling abroad without proper documentation.

Dabiri-Erewa spoke on Thursday when she visited some stranded Nigerians who violated Canada’s immigration laws.

The Nigerians, mostly youths, are currently living in a shelter for asylum seekers in Brampton.

In a video posted on NIDCOM’s X account, Dabiri-Erewa said the situation “really is not quite a pleasant sight to behold”.

“We pray and hope that they get out of this situation,” she said, describing the majority of the asylum seekers as “young vibrant Nigerians”.

The NIDCOM chairperson thanked the Nigerians who have been supporting the illegal migrants, adding that the commission donated some items and provided counselling to the stranded citizens.

“But the key thing is I hope you get out of this, but for the next person planning to do this, it’s not worth it,” Dabiri-Erewa added.

During a counselling session, Bayo Adedosu, an immigration consultant, asked the asylum seekers to put their trust in God.

“You will need to endure, don’t have any expectations, the only expectation you should have at this point is God. Your case is in God’s hands – all of you,” Adedosu said.

He also asked the asylum seekers to refrain from painting Nigeria in a bad light while trying to process their papers.

Vivian Eruka, a pastor, who runs the Bethel food bank and works with those in shelters, informed that the mayor of Brampton has promised to make 800 more beds available and shelter.