The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received 147 Nigerians repatriated from Libya under the ongoing Assisted Voluntary Return programme, facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Federal Government.
According to a statement posted on Wednesday via X, NEMA reported that the returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard an Air Libya Airlines flight (registration number 5A-BAE) at about 5:15 p.m. on October 21, 2025.
The Lagos Operations Office of NEMA coordinated the reception exercise in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons.
According to NEMA, the returnees comprised 100 adults (32 males and 68 females), 34 children (18 males and 16 females), and 13 infants (5 males and 8 females). Officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) were on ground to conduct biometric registration and documentation to ensure proper identification and smooth reintegration into society.
The agency added that, “In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe, dignified, and humane return of its citizens, the returnees were provided with food, potable water, medical care, ambulance services, and counselling, alongside logistical support to facilitate their transition.
“The entire reception process was well-coordinated, efficient, and centred on the welfare and dignity of all returnees,” the statement read.
This latest arrival forms part of Nigeria’s ongoing reintegration efforts under the IOM’s AVR programme, which assists migrants stranded abroad to voluntarily return home safely.