TVC E. The Presidency on Friday said that another 180 Nigerians are expected back in Nigeria from Libya on Tuesday.
The trip back to Nigeria on Tuesday will be the third batch of Nigerians that will be returning from Libya in the last one month. 171 Nigerians had returned on February 21 while 161 returned on February 14.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, spoke at the Presidential Villa while receiving the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons Commission, Sadiya Farouk.
Dabiri-Erewa said that the Federal Government was expecting more migrants back in the country with the current happenings around the world.
Dabiri said her office would be working with the Commission to sensitise Nigerians on the need to stay away from some countries.
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,” she added.
Speaking earlier, Sadiya Farouk commended Dabiri for her efforts towards ensuring that Nigerians in diaspora are treated with dignity.
She condemned the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and pledged her commitment to a sustained advocacy to end what she described as unwarranted attacks.
She promised to work with Dabiri to educate Nigerians on the dangers of irregular migration.
She said: “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.”
She said the commission has also developed a return, re-admission and reintegration programme which provides referrals to settlement services for returnees.
To cater for returnees, Farouk said the commission has also developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), for the conduct of return, readmission and reintegration of Nigerians.
“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.
