A total of 14,917 Nigerians, comprising individuals from Africa and Europe, have voluntarily returned to Nigeria between 2021 and 2023, according to data from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
The figures were obtained from the IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme.
The data includes more than 1,000 Nigerians who received protection and reintegration support through the Cooperation on Migration and Partnership for Sustainable Solutions (COMPASS) initiative.
Launched in 2021, COMPASS is a collaborative effort between the IOM and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of The Netherlands.
Under COMPASS, 1,013 Nigerians stranded in various countries, including Mali, Lebanon, Morocco, Dubai, Libya, and Niger, received support for dignified return.
Approximately 110 individuals received mental and psychosocial support, and over 600 victims of trafficking were attended to, with 19 unaccompanied migrant children successfully reconnected with their families.
The AVRR programme addresses the challenges migrants face, especially those fleeing harsh conditions in their destination or transit countries.
The stress experienced by returnees often stems from uncertainty about their future, source of income, and their place within the community.
The data reveals a significant increase in the number of Nigerians voluntarily returning home, with a 291% rise from 1,408 in 2020 to 5,783 by December 2022.
However, the number is overshadowed by the tragic toll of over 10,000 Nigerians who have lost their lives since 2017 while attempting to migrate illegally to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea and deserts.
The majority of returnees cited Libya and the Niger Republic as their points of origin or transit.
Libya has been a focal point for Nigerian migrants seeking passage to Europe, facing challenges such as alleged slave trade, extortion, and instability since the overthrow of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
Returnees identified as the most vulnerable include victims of trafficking, survivors of gender-based violence, unaccompanied minors, those with severe mental and psychosocial needs, individuals with physical health requirements, and those exposed to violence or exploitation.
Zakaria Dauda, the Public Relations Officer of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, emphasized ongoing awareness campaigns to dissuade individuals from embarking on complex journeys.
Dauda highlighted the need to address both push and pull factors influencing migration, emphasizing the importance of realistic perceptions about life abroad, particularly among young people.
Despite persistent challenges like high unemployment and insecurity, Dauda stressed that fostering awareness about the complexities of migration is crucial in discouraging individuals from pursuing risky journeys.