The Nigerian federal government has successfully repatriated 180 Nigerian migrants who were stranded in Libya, in coordination with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Nigerian mission in Tripoli.
The returnees, including 76 men, 92 women, eight children, and four infants, arrived in Nigeria aboard an IOM-chartered flight. This humanitarian initiative is part of ongoing efforts to assist Nigerians facing difficulties abroad, particularly in Libya, where many migrants experience harsh conditions.
Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, representing the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to reintegrating returnees into society. Speaking through the South-West Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Alexander Oturu, he emphasised that the repatriation aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to support vulnerable populations.
The returnees were received at Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) camp, where they will be temporarily housed under a tripartite agreement between NCFRMI, IOM, and LASEMA. Authorities will provide them with shelter, medical support, and onward transportation allowances to help them reach their final destinations.
Libya has long been a transit point for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. Many, however, find themselves trapped in dire conditions, facing detention, exploitation, and abuse. The Nigerian government, in collaboration with international agencies, continues to facilitate voluntary returns and reintegration programmes to help affected citizens rebuild their lives.
This latest repatriation underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to address migration challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of its nationals abroad.
