The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency, has received 180 Nigerian migrants repatriated from Libya as part of its Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration programme.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday night aboard a chartered Buraq Airline flight that landed at the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal at about 8:15 p.m.
Speaking during the reception of the migrants, IOM Sub-Head in Lagos, Ali Ibrahim, said most of the returnees had been held in detention camps in Benghazi, Libya, after embarking on perilous migration journeys in search of better opportunities.
According to him, the group consisted mainly of women and children. The returnees included 108 adult females and 45 adult males, as well as 17 children and 12 infants.
Ibrahim noted that many of the migrants experienced hardship, uncertainty and, in some cases, exploitation during their stay in Libya.
He explained that upon arrival, the returnees received immediate assistance, including health screening, counselling and reception support. Eligible beneficiaries will also have access to reintegration programmes aimed at helping them rebuild their lives.
The reintegration support includes skills acquisition training, small business grants and psychosocial services designed to ease their return and reintegration into society.
Ibrahim disclosed that two of the returnees were unaccompanied minors who arrived without their parents or guardians.
He added that the repatriation exercise was carried out in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria and with funding support from the European Union.
According to the IOM official, more than 65,700 Nigerians have been safely returned from various countries over the past decade, while over 52,200 have benefited from reintegration assistance.
He stressed that with adequate support and strong partnerships, returning migrants can successfully recover, rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
