NEMA Welcomes 147 Stranded Nigerians Back From Libya

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received 147 stranded Nigerians repatriated from Libya under the Assisted Voluntary Return initiative, a programme supported by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Federal Government.

In a statement shared on Wednesday via its official X handle, NEMA announced that the returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard an Air Libya Airlines flight (registration number 5A-BAE) at about 5:15 p.m. on October 21, 2025. The exercise was coordinated by NEMA’s Lagos Operations Office in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.

According to the agency, the group comprised 100 adults (32 males and 68 females), 34 children (18 males and 16 females), and 13 infants (5 males and 8 females). Officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) were present to conduct biometric registration and documentation to aid proper identification and reintegration.

“In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe, dignified, and humane return of its citizens, the returnees were provided with food, potable water, medical care, ambulance services, and counselling, alongside logistical support to facilitate their transition. The entire reception process was well-coordinated, efficient, and centred on the welfare and dignity of all returnees,” NEMA stated.

This latest arrival is part of Nigeria’s ongoing reintegration efforts under the IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme, which supports migrants stranded abroad to voluntarily return home safely.

The IOM had earlier revealed that a total of 4,760 stranded Nigerians were repatriated in 2024 through the AVRR scheme. According to its 2024 Annual Report, the figure included 2,435 men and 2,324 women, many of whom faced economic hardship and psychological distress. Libya, Niger, Chad, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire were listed as the main host and transit countries, with 1,101 of the returnees identified as victims of trafficking — mostly from Edo, Delta, Ogun, Imo, and Lagos states.