In a concerted effort to assist distressed and stranded Nigerians abroad, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, has warmly received 168 individuals who were repatriated from Libya.
Facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) through the Assisted Voluntary Repatriation program, the returnees arrived via a chartered flight operated by Al Buraq Air, bearing registration number 5A-DMG. The flight touched down at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport Cargo Wing in Ikeja at approximately 1645 hours.
The repatriated group comprised 79 adult females, 19 female children, and 6 male infants, as well as 31 adult males, 16 male children, and 7 male infants. This diverse demographic underscores the complexity and urgency of the humanitarian situation faced by Nigerians in Libya.
Apart from NEMA, various other key agencies were present at the airport to receive the returnees, including the Refugee Commission, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigeria Police Force. Their collective presence highlights the coordinated response effort aimed at ensuring the well-being and smooth reintegration of the returnees into their communities.
The repatriation initiative not only reflects the commitment of the Nigerian government and its partners to safeguard the welfare of its citizens but also underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing migration challenges. As efforts continue to mitigate the risks faced by Nigerians abroad, stakeholders remain vigilant in their dedication to providing assistance and support to those in need.
