Fisayo Soyombo Warns Nigerians Against Migrating to Libya

Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, cautions Nigerians against seeking escape from economic hardship through irregular migration to Libya. During an interview on ARISE News, he discussed his 47-day undercover journey from Kano through Niger to Tripoli, where he documented the dire conditions faced by migrants.

Soyombo emphasized that many Nigerians mistakenly view migration as a solution, unaware that conditions in Libya can be worse. He described how migrants often become stranded after exhausting their funds, resorting to low-paying jobs to survive while attempting to save for another attempt to cross into Europe.

He noted that irregular migrants in Libya face challenges accessing financial services and are vulnerable to robbery due to the illegal nature of their status. Soyombo recounted instances of exploitation, including migrants being forced to work in extreme temperatures without pay.

He illustrated the harsh realities of life for migrants in Libya, underscoring the urgent need for awareness about the risks involved.