The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to urgently collaborate with Libyan authorities, the United Nations, and regional bodies to repatriate hundreds of Nigerian women and children currently held in Libyan prisons under inhumane conditions.
The resolution followed a motion presented on Tuesday by Senator Aniekan Bassey (APC, Cross River South), who raised alarm over the growing number of Nigerians trapped in detention centres in Libya. The Senate described the situation as modern-day slavery and called for decisive action to protect and rescue the victims.
Senator Bassey, while presenting the motion, painted a grim picture of the experiences of many Nigerian migrants who were trafficked or misled into travelling to Libya in hopes of reaching Europe. He called Libya a “corridor of death and despair” where trafficked Nigerians face torture, rape, and forced labour.
“One survivor, Mercy Olugbenga, sold her family’s property to fund her journey, only to be held in captivity for over a year, during which her blood was constantly drained against her will,” Bassey said. “It is a chilling reminder that slavery still exists in our time.”
He cited reports that about 1,000 Nigerians were repatriated from Libya in the first quarter of 2025, many of whom shared heartbreaking stories of exploitation and violence.
Other senators echoed his concerns, with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) describing the abuse of Nigerian women in Libya as “a humanitarian crisis.” She condemned the treatment of pregnant women and nursing mothers detained in Libyan jails, some of whom were reportedly assaulted in detention and gave birth behind bars.
“These women were victims twice over—first trafficked, then imprisoned,” she said. “Their children, born in prison, must not suffer for crimes they did not commit.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan proposed that the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Nigerian Correctional Service work with Libyan authorities to fast-track the release and repatriation of these women and children. Her motion was adopted by the Senate.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) also proposed the strengthening of public awareness campaigns on the dangers of irregular migration. His motion was seconded by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North).
“Nigerians have no business being in Libya,” Oshiomhole said. “We must discourage this false belief in greener pastures and educate our youths about the dangers of human trafficking and illegal migration.”
Senator Anthony Ani (APC, Ebonyi South) described the treatment of Nigerians in Libya as “a stain on our national conscience,” while Senator Victor Umeh (LP, Anambra Central) condemned the silence of the African Union, calling for continental action.
“We are members of the African Union, yet Africans are treating fellow Africans worse than animals,” Umeh said. “No country should be allowed to get away with this level of cruelty.”
The Senate also referenced reports from Amnesty International and the International Organisation for Migration, which have documented widespread rape, killings, and arbitrary detention of migrants in Libya, many held in centres run by militias and even state forces.
In addition to calling for immediate repatriation, the Senate mandated its Committees on Diaspora, Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, and Judiciary to investigate human trafficking networks and unlicensed travel agents promoting illegal migration.
The aim, senators said, is to tighten laws and strengthen enforcement to break the cycle of exploitation.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Senator Bassey for bringing the motion forward. He urged young Nigerians to resist the temptation of dangerous migration.
“Home is home,” Akpabio said. “Many who leave in search of greener pastures find only pain abroad. Let us stay, build our nation, and protect our dignity. There is no greater pride than being safe and free in your own homeland.”
