108 Stranded Nigerians Safely Return From Niger Republic

The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully repatriated 108 Nigerian migrants who were stranded in the Niger Republic.

This was contained in an official statement released on Tuesday, by Mr. Alexander Oturu, the Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the National Commission For Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) in Abuja.

This commendable humanitarian effort was executed through the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian Mission in Niamey and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), demonstrating a joint commitment to alleviating the plight of Nigerian citizens caught in precarious situations abroad.

The group of returnees comprises 32 adult males, 29 adult females, 44 children, and three infants, underscoring the diverse nature of the stranded migrants, including families with young children. Their return, however, signifies a glimmer of hope as they are now under the protection of the Nigerian government.

Upon their arrival, the migrants were safely transported to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) camp.

“The migrants were conveyed to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, camp where the NCFRMI and International Organisation for Migration have a tripartite agreement to provide temporary shelter for the returnees. Before they are provided with onward transportation allowance to enable them to get to their final destinations,” the statement read.

The repatriation of these stranded Nigerian migrants is in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ which focuses on bringing hope and assistance to every Nigerian citizen, especially those facing hardship in foreign lands.

As part of this initiative, the returnees will be integrated into various government programs and will also benefit from the reintegration programs offered by the United Nations Migration Agency. This multi-pronged approach is designed to help these returnees reintegrate into their home country and regain their footing in society.

The successful repatriation of these 108 stranded migrants serves as a testament to the Nigerian government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens, even when they find themselves in challenging circumstances outside the country’s borders.

This effort is not only a humanitarian gesture but also a manifestation of Nigeria’s determination to protect and support its citizens, no matter where they may be.