The Nigerian Government, through a coordinated, multi-agency effort, has successfully received 144 Nigerian migrants who were stranded in Libya.
This humanitarian return was facilitated by the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as part of an ongoing series of voluntary return flights.
The returnees are irregular migrants who went to Libya mostly through the Mediterranean Sea.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, NCFRMI, Tijjani Ahmed, the Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Alexander Oturu said the efforts were aimed at ensuring the safe repatriation and reintegration of Nigerian citizens.
He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian citizens.
“In line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the returnees would be provided with access to government-led empowerment initiatives and reintegration support through the IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) Programme.”
The returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, where they were received by officials from the NCFRMI and other government agencies.
The 144 returnees comprised 100 males, 26 females, 10 children and infants, all of whom were conveyed on an IOM-chartered flight from Libya.
Following their arrival, the returnees were transported to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) camp, where the NCFRMI, IOM, and LASEMA operate under a tripartite agreement to provide temporary shelter.
In addition, the returnees will receive onward transportation allowances to facilitate their safe return to their respective communities.
In attendance was the Director General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Mr Lucky Agazuma who led a delegation to facilitate the free transportation of Edo State indigenes to Benin City, the State capital.
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