One hundred and sixty-five Nigerian migrants return from Libya
One hundred and sixty-five migrants voluntarily returned to Nigeria from Libya on May 3. The 74 females and 91 males were assisted to return to Nigeria by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The returnees arrived at the Cargo Wing of Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard a charter flight operated by Libya’s Buraq Airline. The Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency, Yakabu Suleiman, formally received the returnees from the IOM on behalf of the Nigerian government, reports the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.
Speaking to journalists, IOM’s Head of Mission in Nigeria, Enira Krdzalic, noted that IOM has assisted 7,746 Nigerians to return to Nigeria from Libya under its voluntary return and rehabilitation programme, in partnership with the European Union. 600 Nigerian returnees have been rehabilitated, while another 200 will be supported with life skills training, Krdzalic added.
Many Nigerians who are stranded in Libya would like to return home, but fears regarding livelihoods and economic opportunities hinders their decisions to return, said Krdzalic. She also called on the Nigerian government to enhance engagement efforts towards youth through creating skills acquisition programmes and employment opportunities, as well as partnering with international organizations to help create viable economic opportunities. Krdzalic also stressed that there is an additional need to improve campaigns against irregular migration by Nigerians.
According to Suleiman, the NEMA Zonal Coordinator, the Nigerian government has intensified activities towards demotivating irregular migration and providing skills and employment opportunities for Nigerians. He further highlighted the dangers of irregular migration and cautioned Nigerians from embarking on such journeys.
TMP – 10/05/2018
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