36 Nigerian Migrant Returnees Arrive From Sweden

Federal government has welcomed 36 migrants from Sweden who had irregular status in the country.

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) received the returnees on behalf of the federal government. The reception took place at the International Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja yesterday.

The federal commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Tijani Ahmed, who was represented by the director of Migrant Affairs, Amb. Catherine Udida emphasised government’s commitment to integrating these returnees into various programmes and initiatives that align with the president’s renewed hope agenda.

“The government is dedicated to providing support and opportunities for the migrants to rebuild their lives, identifying vulnerable individuals, and offering referrals where needed. The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and civil society organisations also provide shelter and support. We will also continue to counsel them to reintegrate properly,” Ahmed said.

Ahmed highlighted the government’s dedication to the safe return and integration of Nigerian migrants, emphasising its efforts to address the challenges faced by vulnerable citizens.

He said this collective endeavour is a significant step towards promoting social cohesion, humanitarian values, and the well-being of all Nigerians.

Upon their arrival, the migrants were provided with dignity kits, documented properly, and transported by NCFRMI in collaboration with International Returns and Reintegration Assistance (IRARA) to offer temporary shelter.

Additionally, the country director, IRARA Nigeria, Roland Nwoha, said each returnees will receive onward transportation allowances of N158,000 to help them reach their final destinations.

The returnees consist of 18 males, 18 females, among them are 14 children.