More Nigerians Expected From Libya Next Week-Dabiri-Erewa
Another set of 180 Nigerians would be arriving home from Libya on Tuesday, the Presidency has said.
The Presidency also stated that more Nigerians in diaspora were expected back.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa made the disclosure on Friday when she received the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons Commission, Sadiya Farouk, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to Erewa, the 180 was the third batch of Nigerians that would be returning from Libya in the last one month. The first 171 returned on February 21 while 161 returned on February 14 making the total figure 512.
Erewa declared her intention to work with the commission henceforth to educate Nigerians on immigration matters. She said, “Your visit is timely because we expect more migrants back home. In fact, 180 Nigerians are expected back from Libya on Tuesday. “With what is going on around the world, it is going to be worse.
“We will work with your commission to continue to sensitise Nigerians on the need for them to know that some places are not just worth it.”
Speaking earlier, Farouk commended Erewa for the sensitization programmes, saying that her Commission would also play a role in re-admitting the returnees.
“These programmes will better inform Nigerians on their options so they can make informed decision and develop realistic expectations when traveling outside the country. “It is important to note that the issue of sensitisation is an offshoot of the National Migration Dialogue. “The dialogue highlighted the need to establish a migration desk in all states and local governments which will provide sensitisation from the grassroots level in order to curb the root causes of irregular migration.”
“What is currently obtainable is an adhoc approach which is not sustainable. “The SOP when operationalised will ensure that the returning Nigerian migrants are adequately reintegrated into the society. “The SOP has been validated by the relevant stakeholders but yet to be institutionalised. We therefore seek your partnership to ensure the operationalisation,” she said.
