The Nigerian government has repatriated 390 citizens stranded in the Niger Republic, marking the latest phase of its voluntary return and reintegration program.
The returnees, including 387 adult males, two females, and one infant boy, were received at the Nigeria Immigration Training School, Kano, in the early hours of Tuesday. They were stranded in Niamey, Niger Republic, before being rescued through a collaborative effort between the Nigerian government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Speaking on behalf of the government, Tijjani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), stated that the operation aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
“This effort is part of a broader plan to reintegrate Nigerians into society, ensuring they benefit from empowerment programs to rebuild their lives,” Ahmed said. His statement was delivered by Hajiya Liman, the Kano State Field Coordinator of NCFRMI.
A Coordinated Rescue Operation
The repatriation initiative is part of a multi-agency operation that has been ongoing since 2024. This marks the third batch of Nigerian migrants voluntarily returned from Niger Republic under the scheme.
Upon arrival in Kano, the returnees were profiled and documented by officials of the NCFRMI and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). The process ensures that the individuals are properly integrated into federal programs designed to provide financial aid, vocational training, and other forms of support.
“This is more than just a homecoming,” explained Liman. “We are providing these individuals with tools to rebuild their lives. The government is committed to addressing the root causes of migration by creating opportunities at home.”
Context and Challenges
The Niger Republic has become a transit hub for irregular migration due to its proximity to Libya, a primary gateway to Europe. Many Nigerians travel through Niger seeking better opportunities, often falling prey to smugglers and harsh conditions.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has frequently raised concerns about the rising number of migrants stranded in transit countries like Niger. According to IOM, many are unable to proceed to their destination or return home due to lack of resources.
A 2024 report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) revealed that over 2 million Nigerians are either internally displaced or stranded abroad. Initiatives like the one in Kano are seen as crucial in addressing this growing crisis.
Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Under President Tinubu’s administration, reintegration efforts have been prioritized as part of the “Renewed Hope” agenda. The initiative emphasizes creating economic opportunities, reducing unemployment, and addressing migration challenges.
“This program not only reunites families but also highlights the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians wherever they are,” said a statement from the NCFRMI.
The government has partnered with international bodies, including the IOM, to ensure the safe return and reintegration of citizens. Recent efforts have also included skill acquisition programs, micro-loans, and education grants aimed at preventing future irregular migration.
Returnees Speak
Several of the returnees expressed gratitude for the intervention. Musa Ibrahim, who spent two years stranded in Niger, described the experience as harrowing.
“We faced hunger and hopelessness. Some of us fell sick and had no one to help,” he recounted. “Now that we are back, we hope to start afresh with the support of the government.”
Another returnee, Aisha Usman, emphasized the importance of creating jobs to prevent others from taking the same risky journey. “If there were opportunities here, none of us would have left in the first place,” she said.
Reintegration Process
The profiling and documentation process conducted in Kano serves multiple purposes. It ensures accurate data collection for monitoring and enables the government to tailor its support to individual needs.
According to officials, the returnees will be enrolled in various federal programs. These include agricultural training, vocational skills acquisition, and small business grants.
“We believe in empowering individuals so they can become self-sufficient,” Liman stated.
The Road Ahead
While the repatriation marks a positive step, experts caution that long-term solutions are needed to address the systemic issues driving migration.
A report by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) emphasized the need for regional collaboration to address migration challenges in West Africa. The report highlighted poverty, unemployment, and insecurity as primary drivers.
For Nigeria, addressing these issues will require sustained efforts and investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
