NEMA: 111 Nigerian Returnees from Niger Republic Repatriated
NEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other key stakeholders, has successfully received 111 Nigerian returnees from Niger Republic. The repatriation exercise is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to reintegrate voluntary returnees and offer them new opportunities within the country.
The agency disclosed the development via its official X handle on Wednesday, May 27, 2025, confirming the safe arrival of the returnees at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) at exactly 7:20 p.m. on May 26, 2025.
Details of the Repatriation Exercise
According to NEMA, the returnees were received by its Kano Operations Office, alongside other stakeholders committed to migrant reintegration and welfare. The collaborative repatriation was facilitated by IOM, which remains a key partner in humanitarian response and migrant protection across West Africa.
The breakdown of the returnees includes:
- 87 adult males
- 8 male children
- 8 adult females
- 8 female children
Upon arrival, all individuals were promptly conveyed to Chilla Hotel, a designated temporary shelter in Kano State, where they underwent full profiling and documentation on May 27, 2025.
Ongoing Support for Returnees
The returnees are part of a larger wave of Nigerian nationals voluntarily returning home from the Niamey region of Niger Republic, many of whom were stranded due to irregular migration routes, economic hardship, or trafficking networks. NEMA’s partnership with IOM ensures these returnees are not only safely transported but also properly documented, rehabilitated, and reintegrated into Nigerian society.
Support mechanisms made available include:
- Medical check-ups
- Counselling
- Psycho-social support
- Referrals for skill acquisition programs
According to NEMA’s Kano office, the returnees will be linked to various reintegration programs, which are aimed at empowering them economically and reducing the risk of remigration through irregular means.
Broader Implications for Migration Policy
The return of these 111 Nigerian nationals from Niger Republic highlights the persistent challenges of irregular migration across Nigeria’s northern corridor. Despite increasing awareness, many Nigerian youths continue to embark on unsafe journeys through the Sahel region, hoping to reach North Africa or Europe.
NEMA emphasized the importance of community education and youth engagement to address the root causes of unsafe migration, including poverty, unemployment, and misinformation about migration prospects abroad.
The agency reiterated its commitment to working with local and international partners, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration practices.
International Organization for Migration’s Role
The IOM, a UN migration agency, has remained instrumental in facilitating the return and reintegration of Nigerians stranded across various transit and destination countries. Through its voluntary humanitarian return program, IOM offers logistical support, return tickets, and reintegration services to thousands of Nigerian migrants annually.
This particular operation is part of IOM’s ongoing collaboration with the Nigerian government under the EU-IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration in West Africa.
Calls for Sustainable Reintegration Policies
As Nigeria continues to receive returnees, advocacy groups and lawmakers have called for a comprehensive national reintegration policy. The House of Representatives recently urged the federal government to intensify efforts to develop a sustainable plan for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returning migrants.
Experts have warned that without adequate support systems, many returnees risk falling back into poverty, making them vulnerable to re-trafficking or remigration.
Conclusion
The repatriation of 111 Nigerian returnees from Niger Republic marks another significant step in Nigeria’s migration management strategy. As stakeholders continue to respond to the complex realities of migration, reintegration, and humanitarian protection, the focus remains on restoring dignity, offering opportunity, and preventing future exploitation of vulnerable Nigerians abroad.
