Migration: 180 Nigerians stranded in Libya return home

A total number of 180 Nigerians stranded in Libya had, on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, returned home.

According to Punch, the group arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 7:30pm on a charter flight.

The returnees included 55 adult males, 24 female children, 18 male children, 16 infants, 55 adult males, 67 adult females and 24 female children.

Upon arrival, The Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS), welcomed the returnees and processed their documents through biometric screening.

This evacuation was made possible through a joint effort between the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

IOM claimed that the evacuation of these migrants is one of its commitments to protecting the rights and dignity of the returnees.

Furthermore, various government agencies have extended humanitarian assistance to facilitate the returnees’ reintegration into the Nigerian society.

IOM has continued to play a crucial role in assisting Nigerians stranded abroad.

What to know about IOM

• Background

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization.

It was founded in 1951 as the Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration (ICEM).

IOM has evolved to address global migration challenges.

Its establishment is dedicated to promoting safe, orderly, and humane migration.

• Mission

One, IOM’s mission is to promote managed migration. Two, they aim to protect migrants’ rights.

Also, it combats human trafficking. Besides, they aim to provide humanitarian assistance.

In addition, it supports sustainable development.

• Key activities 

IOM engages in migration policy advice. Also, it participates in migration data analysis.

Further, they foster the return and reintegration programs for returnees.

In addition, they engage in refugees’ resettlement. Furthermore, they ensure community development.

• Structure

IOMs has its headquarters at Geneva Switzerland. It has its membership bordering across 174 states.

Also, its observers include 8 organizations. Besides, it has over 40 regional offices and over 400 country offices.

• Programs and initiatives

IOM runs Migration Governance Framework, part of their programs being IOM’s Transition and Recovery Division.

Besides, they operate Migration Crisis Operational Framework and facilitate the program, Climate Change and Migration.

Partnership

Several organizations have so far partnered with IOM.

The United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have actively partnered with IOM.

Funding

IOMs has been over the years funded by member states, UN agencies, private sector partnerships, Foundations and government donors.

Publications and resources

IOM’s publications include Migration Data Portal, IOM Newsroom, Migration Research Series and so on.

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