By Gabriel Ameh
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has facilitated the return of 180 Nigerian migrants from Libya under its Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme, supported by the European Union.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos from Benghazi, Libya, where many had been stranded in difficult and vulnerable conditions.
Speaking at the airport, Head of IOM Sub Office in Lagos, Ali Ibrahim, said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria and other partners to provide humanitarian support and ensure safe reintegration of the migrants.
According to IOM, the returnees comprised 153 women, 25 men, and two unaccompanied minors. About 50 of them were evacuated directly from detention centres in Libya, while others were living in and around Benghazi before voluntarily opting to return home.
On arrival, the migrants received immediate humanitarian assistance, including medical screening, psychosocial support, first aid, and other emergency services to help stabilize their condition after the journey.
Beyond initial support, the AVRR programme also provides long-term reintegration assistance aimed at helping returnees rebuild their lives in Nigeria. This includes access to livelihood support, business start-up grants, educational opportunities, and other tailored reintegration services.
IOM explained that voluntary return applies to migrants who choose to return home after finding themselves in vulnerable or stranded situations abroad, emphasizing the importance of safe and informed migration decisions.
The organisation also noted that the programme has been in operation since 2017 and has supported the voluntary return of about 65,700 Nigerians from various countries.
Of this figure, approximately 7,625 Nigerians have returned in 2026 alone through the programme.
IOM further disclosed that repatriation flights from Libya continue regularly, with chartered operations arriving almost weekly in Lagos and Kano, while others arrive through commercial flights at different entry points including Abuja.
The latest return highlights ongoing humanitarian efforts by IOM and its partners to support stranded migrants, promote safe migration pathways, and ensure sustainable reintegration for returnees in Nigeria.
