“7,000 Nigerians stranded in Libya” – Federal govt laments

The Federal Government, through the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed concern over the plight of 7,000 Nigerians stranded in Libya. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) revealed that since 2001, 2025 people have died while attempting to cross the desert to Libya.

Nigeria has been ranked among the countries with the highest rates of irregular migration. The IOM Deputy Operations Officer, Ugochi Florence Daniels, emphasized the need for humane and orderly migration, supporting the country in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063.

The Federal Government pledged to collaborate with IOM to address irregular migration, especially among young people, dispelling myths about better opportunities abroad. The IOM also highlighted financial constraints and urged prioritization of programs to assist migrants in line with national priorities.