Mass repatriation of 400,000 Nigerians from three African countries sparks widespread concern

DDM News

Repatriation of 400,000 Nigerians from three African countries sparks widespread concern, worsening the socio-economic situation in Nigeria under Tinubu’s administration.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) reviled that hunger and starvation are becoming unbearable for many Nigerians.

Mallam Sabiu Ibrahim, a Katsina-based educationist, has warned of impending danger.

He described the situation as a ticking time bomb.

According to him, Nigerians are losing patience with the government.

The federal government recently revealed that over 400,000 Nigerians are refugees in Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.

This revelation has drawn outrage from Nigerians.

Many have blamed the crisis on poor leadership and ineffective governance.

The federal commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Tijani Ahmed, confirmed the figures.

He disclosed the information during a technical working group meeting in Abuja.

Ahmed explained that the meeting was to assess previous efforts.

The group aimed to determine the next steps for repatriation.

Government intervention and international partnerships were also on the agenda.

Ahmed highlighted the tripartite agreement between Nigeria, Chad, and the UNHCR.

The agreement provides a framework for repatriating Nigerian refugees.

Repatriation efforts in Chad have already begun.

The governor of Borno State facilitated the return of 3,000 Nigerians.

The technical working group intends to build on that effort.

Plans to repatriate Nigerians from Cameroon will commence soon.

Ahmed emphasized that the repatriation process will continue in the coming weeks.

The government is committed to ensuring the safe return of all refugees.

The deputy representative of the UNHCR in Nigeria, Bernadette Muteshi, reaffirmed the agency’s support.

She stressed the importance of government leadership in the process.

The UNHCR is collaborating with both governments to implement the agreement.

The goal is to ensure the repatriation process adheres to international standards.

However, concerns about Nigeria’s economic situation persist.

A similar migration crisis occurred last year.

A viral video showed 40,000 Nigerians seeking refuge in Niger Republic.

The economic downturn in 2024 worsened the living conditions of many Nigerians.

Food prices skyrocketed beyond the reach of the common man.

Protests erupted in major states across the country.

Thousands took to the streets demanding affordable food prices.

From Niger to Kano, Sokoto, Lagos, and Oyo, the frustration was widespread.

The protesters decried the government’s economic policies.

Many blamed government actions for worsening their suffering.

Staple foods like maize, rice, millet, and garri became unaffordable.

Hunger and starvation gripped millions of households.

To compound the hardship, insecurity remains a major challenge.

Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen, bandits, and kidnappers continue to wreak havoc.

Kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative business.

Nigerians live in constant fear of attacks.

Yusuf Shehu, a former Katsina lawmaker, acknowledged the migration trend.

He noted that many Nigerians relocate to Niger Republic due to proximity.

However, he downplayed hunger and insecurity as the sole reasons for migration.

He argued that cultural ties also influence migration patterns.

Many communities along the borders share historical bonds.

Yet, insecurity remains a dominant factor pushing people away.

Some prefer living in Chad or Niger over staying in dangerous areas.

The currency disparity between Niger and Nigeria is another consideration.

Niger’s currency is currently stronger than the naira.

Mallam Ibrahim dismissed the idea that Nigerians migrated for better opportunities.

According to him, they left to escape starvation and insecurity.

Most migrants sought survival rather than prosperity.

Unfortunately, many got stranded in foreign lands.

Some were en route to Libya and Europe.

Their goal was to reach Europe via the Mediterranean Sea.

Nigeria’s current state is an embarrassment, Ibrahim lamented.

He criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) government for worsening conditions.

The north has suffered prolonged neglect and deprivation.

Leadership failures have left people desperate.

More Nigerians may embark on dangerous journeys if conditions persist.

Some prefer dying abroad over suffering at home.

Dr. Pogu Bitrus, president of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), echoed similar concerns.

He affirmed that hundreds of thousands of Nigerians are scattered across Africa.

Economic hardship and insecurity have driven many out of the country.

Insurgency forced many Nigerians into Cameroon and Chad.

Insecurity will continue to push people out.

Despite Nigeria’s food production, hunger remains widespread.

Abdullahi Fago, a Katsina-based educationist, described the crisis as shameful.

He acknowledged the historical ties between Nigerian and Nigerien border communities.

However, he stressed that today’s migration is driven by desperation.

Hunger and insecurity have displaced thousands.

Farming activities have been disrupted by violent attacks.

Farmers fear for their lives and avoid their fields.

If the government does not act, the situation will worsen.

A timely intervention is necessary to prevent further catastrophe.

Fago urged authorities to take proactive measures.

Neglecting the crisis could lead to unforeseeable consequences.

Osita Osemene, a migration expert, called for urgent economic reforms.

He insisted that fixing the economy is the only solution.

A thriving economy will reduce migration.

Security and economic stability must be prioritized.

The number of stranded Nigerians in Africa is alarming.

Many are living in dire conditions.

Nigerian leaders must take responsibility.

Nigeria is rich in human and mineral resources.

It should not be facing these challenges.

A functional economy will reduce mass migration.

People will no longer flee the country out of desperation.

Osemene emphasized that many migrants were misled.

Human traffickers deceive victims about opportunities abroad.

They promise better lives but expose migrants to hardship.

Some Nigerians ended up stranded in Libya and Algeria.

Cameroon also became a destination for many migrants.

However, conditions there were not as expected.

Many were tricked into believing life was better abroad.

Traffickers exploit people’s desperation.

They thrive on misinformation and deception.

Fixing Nigeria’s economy will end this cycle.

If security is assured, people will stay.

Nigerians need their leaders to act now.

The government must restore hope and confidence.

Without intervention, more Nigerians will flee.

The crisis must be addressed urgently.

Nigeria cannot afford further mass displacement.

Leadership must rise to the challenge.

The nation is at a critical juncture.

Decisive action is required to prevent further suffering.

Hunger, insecurity, and economic hardship must be tackled.

Failure to act will have devastating consequences.

A nation once full of promise is now struggling.

The time for action is now.

Nigerians deserve a better future.

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