In a significant step toward addressing migration challenges in West Africa, NCFRMI has successfully repatriated 180 of its citizens from Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic.
The operation by NCFRMI carried out on Tuesday, marks the latest phase of a voluntary return initiative launched by the Nigerian government in 2024.
With this effort, the total number of Nigerian migrants brought back from Niger by NCFRMI this year has risen to 1,272, underscoring the scale of the country’s response to irregular migration.
The repatriation was orchestrated by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), in collaboration with several key Nigerian agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, the National Emergency Management Agency, and the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department.
International support came from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which played a critical role in ensuring the safe and dignified return of the migrants.
The group, comprising men, women, and children, arrived in Nigeria after months and in some cases, years of hardship abroad.
Speaking on the operation, a senior official from the NCFRMI described it as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens, wherever they may be.
“This initiative is about giving our people a chance to come home voluntarily, with dignity,” the official said.
“Many of them left in search of better opportunities but found themselves stranded or exploited. We are here to support their return and reintegration.”
The returnees were received at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where they underwent medical screenings and received immediate assistance, including food, clothing, and temporary shelter.
Plans are underway to provide vocational training and psychosocial support to help them rebuild their lives in Nigeria.
“The goal is not just to bring them back but to ensure they have a sustainable future here,” the NCFRMI official added.
The voluntary return program reflects broader migration dynamics in West Africa, a region that has long grappled with irregular migration.
Many Nigerians and other West Africans embark on perilous journeys toward Europe, often passing through Niger, a key transit hub on the migration route.
The World Migration Report highlights that thousands face significant risks, including human trafficking, exploitation, and abuse, along these pathways.
Economic hardship, conflict, and climate-related displacement are among the driving factors pushing individuals to leave their home countries.
This latest repatriation done by the NCFRMI comes amid growing cooperation between Nigeria and its neighbors to address such challenges.
Niger, which hosts a large number of West African migrants, has worked closely with regional governments and international partners to facilitate returns and combat trafficking networks.
The IOM, in particular, has been instrumental in providing logistical support, funding, and expertise for these operations.
For the 180 returnees, the journey home marks the end of a difficult chapter.
Stories emerging from the group paint a picture of resilience amid adversity.
One returnee, a 32-year-old man who asked to remain anonymous, recounted spending over a year in Niger after failing to reach Europe.
“I left because there were no jobs at home, but what I found was worse hunger, detention, and fear,” he said. “Coming back feels like a second chance.”
As Nigeria continues its voluntary return efforts, questions remain about the long-term solutions to migration pressures.
Experts argue that while repatriation addresses immediate needs, tackling root causes such as unemployment, poverty, and insecurity will require sustained investment and regional collaboration.
For now, the government has pledged to expand reintegration programs and work with local communities to support returnees.
Tuesday’s operation by the NCFRMI brings renewed hope to the 180 individuals who stepped off the plane in Abuja, as well as to the families awaiting their return.
For Nigeria, it is a reminder of the complex interplay between migration, human rights, and national responsibility in an increasingly interconnected world.
