The Federal Government and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has facilitated the repatriation of 147 irregular Nigerian migrants, who were in Libya, back to Nigeria even as it remains committed to tackling illegal migration.
This was revealed in a statement by Amb. Kabiru Musa, the Charge d’Affaires En Titre at the Nigerian Mission in Libya, on the same day.
According to Musa, the returnees left Tripoli International Airport on Tuesday via the chartered flight UZ 189, with an expected arrival at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, later that evening.
Amb. Kabiru Musa announced the successful evacuation of stranded Nigerian migrants from Libya, as part of the Federal Government and IOM’s efforts, highlighting the ongoing commitment to repatriate Nigerians willing to return under the IOM’s program and the positive impact of these regular repatriations on national development.
Musa expressed appreciation to the Libyan authorities, who have, at all times, supported successful exercises.
Earlier Naijaonpoint reported that The Federal Government, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), facilitated the return of 281 Nigerians who were stranded and detained in various Libyan camps.
The number of evacuees was 159 in number which comprised of Nigerians freed from detention facilities in Libya, alongside an additional 122 being Nigerians stranded in the country.
This reflects IOM’s commitment to curb irregular migration.
Although the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development acknowledges migration as a significant force for sustainable development, benefiting both migrants and their communities through skills enhancement, labor force strengthening, investment, cultural diversity, and the transfer of skills and financial resources to their countries of origin, migration can be abused leading to irregular migration which has negative effects such as:
As outlined in the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, migration requires a comprehensive approach beyond a single policy sector.