Title: Dis/misinformation, irregular migration and the impact of awareness-raising campaigns: evidence from two countries

Authors: Mike Omilusi

Addresses: Department of Political Science, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract: This study provides insights into the perceptions of potential migrants on the campaign design, communication contents, and implementation methods, as well as the efficacy of information messaging in deterring irregular migration. The results of a study carried out in two West African countries - Nigeria and Senegal - unravel the manner in which networks and disinformation from diaspora communities shape migration decisions. Employing the knowledge gap hypothesis, the study specifically reveals how respondents perceive sources of information campaigns, the effectiveness of fresh awareness creation on prospective migrants' decision to leave (as in Senegal) and the limited effect of anecdotal experiences of returnees or awareness-raising activities on migration behaviour among young persons (as in Nigeria). Considering the deep drivers of irregular migration, the study concludes that national governments in West Africa should focus more on sustainable economic development and human security such that 'the gap between aspired living standards in destination countries and actual living standards in origin countries' can be substantially bridged. This is in addition to making information messaging about dangerous routes to Europe and the hazards of living irregularly there a continuous endeavour, instead of one-off campaigns as evident in many countries of the global south.

Keywords: diaspora communities; irregular migration; disinformation; smugglers; awareness-raising.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMBS.2026.154317

International Journal of Migration and Border Studies, 2026 Vol.9 No.1, pp.21 - 44

Received: 14 May 2024
Accepted: 25 May 2025
Published online: 19 Jun 2026 *

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