The Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has expressed deep concern over the fate of thousands of Nigerian migrants who remain stranded in Libya.
Speaking during the official launch of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Strategic Plan for Nigeria (2025–2027) in Abuja on Tuesday night, Dabiri-Erewa revealed that over 7,000 Nigerians are currently stuck in the North African country.
“As we speak, 7,000 Nigerians are stranded in Libya. In 2025, people are still risking their lives through the desert, to die,” she lamented.
She decried the persistent trend of irregular migration, especially through dangerous desert routes, despite years of awareness campaigns, repatriation efforts and advocacy against such journeys.
Dabiri-Erewa called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies and international partners, to address the root causes of illegal migration and provide safer, legal alternatives for young Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad.
On her part, the IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, emphasized that the newly launched strategic plan is inclusive and nationally owned.
“This is not just an IOM strategy for Nigeria, it is Nigeria’s strategy, supported by IOM,” she said.
“It was developed through inclusive consultations and guided by Nigeria’s national priorities.”
Dimanche urged government institutions, civil society, and development partners to take full ownership of the plan and commit to its execution.
“We’re not launching this plan just to shelve it. I’m counting on each and every one of you to ensure it is implemented effectively. Three to five years from now, we should be able to hold ourselves accountable and see meaningful impact,” she stated.
The event marked a renewed commitment to addressing migration challenges, supporting returnees, and ensuring that migration becomes a choice, not a necessity, for Nigerians.
