The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on Tuesday 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, Lagos, from Benghazi, Libya, where many had been stranded in vulnerable conditions. The operation was implemented in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria and other partners as part of ongoing humanitarian efforts to support safe return and reintegration.
Speaking at the airport, Head of the IOM Sub-Office in Lagos, Ali Ibrahim, said the exercise reflects continued international cooperation aimed at assisting migrants who voluntarily opt to return home after difficult migration experiences.
According to IOM, the group comprised 153 women, 25 men and two unaccompanied minors. About 50 of the returnees were evacuated directly from detention facilities in Libya, while others had been residing in and around Benghazi prior to their return.
On arrival in Lagos, the migrants received immediate humanitarian assistance, including medical screening, psychosocial support, first aid and other emergency services designed to address urgent needs and ensure a smooth transition back into communities.
Beyond immediate reception support, the AVRR programme also provides reintegration assistance aimed at supporting returnees to rebuild their livelihoods. This includes access to vocational training, business start-up support, educational assistance and other tailored interventions.
Ibrahim noted that voluntary return applies to migrants who, after becoming stranded or vulnerable abroad, choose to return to their countries of origin. He emphasised that such returns do not restrict future lawful migration opportunities, but are intended to promote safer and better-informed migration decisions.
“Migration is a choice. Returning home does not prevent anyone from travelling again in the future. What we promote is safe and informed migration so that people can make better decisions before embarking on migration journeys,” he said.
The IOM disclosed that the programme, operational since 2017, has facilitated the voluntary return of approximately 65,700 Nigerians from various countries. In 2026 alone, about 7,625 Nigerians have been assisted through the initiative.
It further noted that repatriation flights from Libya continue regularly, with charter operations arriving almost weekly in Lagos and Kano, while additional returnees arrive via commercial flights through other entry points, including Abuja.
The latest return underscores ongoing efforts by humanitarian agencies and government partners to address migrant vulnerability, promote safe migration pathways and strengthen reintegration support for Nigerians returning from abroad.
