Laraba MUREY
The Federal Government has repatriated 390 stranded Nigerians from Niamey, Niger Republic, in a coordinated effort led by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, NCFRMI.
The returnees, comprising 387 adult males, two adult females, and one infant, arrived at the Immigration Training School, Kano, ITSK, at 1 a.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. This marks the third batch of voluntary returns facilitated by the Nigerian Mission in Niamey in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration, IOM.
Speaking at the reception, the Federal Commissioner of the NCFRMI, Tijjani Ahmed, represented by the Kano Field Coordinator, Lubah Liman, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the returnees. “The Federal Government will integrate these returnees into various empowerment programs under the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to help them rebuild their lives,” she said.
The returnees were registered and profiled by officials of NCFRMI and the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, to ensure proper documentation and access to reintegration programs.
Ahmed praised the collaboration between agencies involved in the operation. “This seamless multi-agency effort highlights the importance of unity in addressing migration challenges and ensuring the well-being of Nigerians,” he added.
Key stakeholders present at the reception included representatives from NAPTIP, NEMA, DSS, Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, Nigerian Red Cross Society, State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and SEMA, among others.
This repatriation exercise continues efforts initiated in 2024 to assist stranded Nigerian migrants in returning home safely.