he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has facilitated the return of 145 Nigerians from Benghazi, Libya. The group arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja on Monday evening, marking another successful chapter of the Assisted Voluntary Return program.
According to a statement from the Head of NEMA’s Lagos Operations Office, Mr. Mohammed Olatunde, which was shared with Reports, the returnees touched down at approximately 8:27 p.m. aboard an Al Buraq Airlines flight. This organized repatriation is part of a broader collaborative effort between the federal government and international partners to provide a safe passage home for Nigerians stranded abroad.
A detailed breakdown of the arrivals shows a diverse group consisting of 122 adults, made up of 46 men and 76 women. The flight also carried 29 children and 27 infants, all of whom were met by officials prepared to handle the delicate nature of their homecoming.
Immediately upon arrival, the Nigeria Immigration Service began the process of biometric registration and documentation. This step is crucial not only for proper identification but also to lay the groundwork for their smooth reintegration into their various communities across the country.
Beyond the paperwork, NEMA and its partners focused on the immediate well-being of the returnees. They were provided with food, clean water, and essential medical care, with standby ambulance services available for those who required urgent attention. Mr. Olatunde noted that the reception process also included counseling sessions and logistical support to help the returnees manage their luggage and onward travel.
These coordinated measures are designed to ensure that the reception is handled with the highest level of dignity and safety. By providing a structured support system from the moment they step off the plane, the government aims to give these citizens a solid starting point as they begin their journey back into Nigerian society.
