HIGHLIGHT – Libya
The Presidency yesterday said another 180 Nigerians are expected back home from Libya on Tuesday.
This is as it again condemned the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and pledged commitment to a sustained advocacy to end the unwarranted attacks on Nigerians anywhere in the world.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, gave the indication while receiving the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Commission, Sadiya Farouk, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Presidential aide explained that it is the third batch of Nigerians that would be returning from Libya. Specifically, 171 returned on February 21, while 161 returned on February 14.
Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa said the Federal Government was expecting more migrants back in the country with the current happenings around the world and indicated plans by her office to collaborate with the commission to sensitise Nigerians on the need to avoid some countries.
“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 said.
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Earlier, Farouk had commended Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa for her efforts towards ensuring that Nigerians in the Diaspora are treated with dignity.
She promised to partner with presidential aide with a bid to create awareness among Nigerians on the dangers of irregular migration. Farouk 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, which highlighted the need to establish a migration desk in all states and local governments to provide sensitisation from the grassroots level to curb the root causes of irregular migration.”
To further cater for returnees, she said the commission has also developed a standard operating procedure for the conduct of return, readmission and reintegration of Nigerians, adding: “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 added.
