NEMA receives 147 Nigerians stranded in Libya

The National Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with various stakeholders, has received 147 Nigerian returnees from Libya.

The returnees arrived in Nigeria on Tuesday, at about 17:15 hours, according to a post on NEMA’s X page on Wednesday.

NEMA said the returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard an Air Libya Airlines flight with Registration Number 5A-BAE.

Over the years, NEMA, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration and other stakeholders, has facilitated the return of thousands of Nigerians stranded in other countries

“As part of the ongoing Assisted Voluntary Return initiative supported by the International Organisation for Migration in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Lagos Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency, in conjunction with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, has received a total of 147 Nigerian returnees from Libya,” the agency stated.

It said the group comprised 100 adults (32 males and 68 females); 34 children (18 males and 16 females); and 13 infants (five males and eight females).

“Upon arrival, officials from the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and proper documentation for all the returnees to ensure accurate records and facilitate their smooth reintegration into the country.

“In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe, dignified, and humane return of its citizens, the returnees were provided with immediate humanitarian assistance, including provision of food and potable water to address immediate nutritional needs; medical care and ambulance services for health-related concerns; luggage handling and logistics support to ease their transit process; and general coordination and counselling to ensure a seamless and orderly reception,” it added.

NEMA noted that the collaborative efforts of NEMA, IOM, NCFRMI, and other key stakeholders ensured that the entire reception process was well-coordinated, efficient, and centered on the welfare and dignity of all returnees.