“DON’T GO THROUGH LIBYA, IT’S A JOURNEY TO DEATH” – SOUTH AFRICA-BASED NIGERIAN BUSINESSMAN WARNS YOUTHS AGAINST DESPERATE ‘JAPA’

By Felix Oti, Awka

A Nigerian businessman based in Northwest Province, South Africa, Chief Isaac Morba, has warned young Nigerians against irregular migration, popularly known as Japa, describing the journey through the Sahara Desert to Libya as “a voluntary trip to death.”

Morba gave the warning on Monday, July 20, 2026, during a special podcast organized by the Umuezeanya Youth Association.

Drawing from nearly three decades of personal experience across Africa and Asia, the auto-tyre dealer said no economic hardship justifies risking one’s life on dangerous migration routes.

“Hundreds, if not thousands, of Nigerian youths have died in the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea trying to reach Europe. I survived by sheer luck and God’s grace, but if you ask me today, I will tell you freely—it is not worth it,” he said.

Never Go to Libya’
Morba recounted that he first embarked on the journey to Europe in 1999, travelling through the Sahara into Libya during the regime of the late Muammar Gaddafi. His dream of crossing the Mediterranean never materialized.

He later spent three difficult years in Pakistan before relocating to South Africa, where he has lived for over 15 years.

He warned that Libya has become worse since the fall of Gaddafi.

“We travelled to Libya when Gaddafi was still in power and the country was relatively organised. Today, Libya has become a nightmare for many Africans trying to reach Europe. No matter what anyone tells you, don’t go to Libya.”

According to him, many migrants are not only exploited by criminal networks but also betrayed by fellow Africans.

“Sometimes the very people who convince you to travel are the ones who abandon you. They switch off their phones, block your number or even sell people into slavery. By the time you discover the truth, it is already too late.”

South Africa: Opportunities Mixed With Challenges
On life in South Africa, Morba said the country has better infrastructure but remains tough for foreigners due to xenophobia.

“South Africa has one of the best social infrastructure systems in Africa, but it is also one of the toughest places to live because of hostility towards other African nationals.”

He noted that while most Nigerians are engaged in legitimate businesses, the actions of a few involved in crime have damaged the collective image.

Address the Root Causes
Morba urged governments to tackle the economic and social conditions driving irregular migration. He advised youths to only travel abroad for *education, legitimate business, or well-planned opportunities

“Don’t allow anyone to convince you to travel abroad simply to hustle. That’s one of the biggest scams out there.”

At the end of the 3-hour session, the *Chairman of Umuezeanya Youth Association, Chief Olisemeka Obeche, presented a Certificate of Commendation to Chief Morba for his mentorship.

The programme anchor, *Osita Nneke, and other leaders including Chief Engr. Samuel Udefi and Comrade Augustine Okafor described the initiative as timely and impactful for youth empowerment.