The International Organization for Migration has disclosed that more than 60,300 Nigerian migrants have returned to the country since 2017 through assisted voluntary return and reintegration programmes.
The organisation said many of the returnees were victims of exploitation, abuse and harsh conditions encountered along dangerous irregular migration routes.
The Chief of Mission for the IOM in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, revealed this on Saturday during a media engagement in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.
Dimanche explained that the assisted return initiative was designed to rescue stranded migrants and help them safely return home while supporting their reintegration into society.
She said, “Across Nigeria, over 60,300 migrants have returned with IOM’s assistance since 2017, many of them survivors of exploitation and abuse along dangerous migration routes.”
According to her, beyond facilitating the safe return of migrants, the organisation provides economic reintegration support, psychosocial counselling and livelihood assistance to help returnees rebuild their lives.
Dimanche noted that migration remains a major humanitarian and development challenge in Nigeria, stressing that the country currently hosts about 3.7 million internally displaced persons due to conflict and natural disasters.
She said providing displaced persons with shelter, water, protection and other essential services remains critical.
The IOM chief explained that the organisation’s operations in Nigeria focus on three key priorities — saving lives during migration crises, supporting displaced persons to rebuild their lives and promoting safe migration pathways.
She, however, expressed concern that many young Nigerians still embark on dangerous migration journeys in search of better economic opportunities.
“Too many young people still risk their lives on dangerous journeys because they believe there is no other option. Migration should never be a desperate gamble. It should happen safely, legally and with dignity,” she said.
Dimanche added that when properly managed, migration could significantly contribute to development but requires strong collaboration among governments, international organisations, communities and the private sector.
She also acknowledged the support of state governments and development partners in implementing reintegration programmes and awareness campaigns aimed at discouraging irregular migration.
According to her, millions of Nigerians have already been reached through public awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of irregular migration and promoting safer alternatives.
“These figures show progress, but they also remind us that the needs remain very real,” she added.
Dimanche called for sustained support from donors and development partners to strengthen migration management and reintegration programmes across the country.
The report was provided by the News Agency of Nigeria.
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