News
FG Facilitates Returns Of 144 Nigerian Migrants From Libya
Joe Ajayi
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through a coordinated, multi-agency effort, has successfully received 144 Nigerian migrants who were stranded in Libya.
This humanitarian return was facilitated by the *Nigerian Mission in Tripoli in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as part of an ongoing series of voluntary return flights aimed at ensuring the safe repatriation and reintegration of Nigerian citizens.
In a statement issued on Teusday by the Southwest Zonal Coordinator National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) Alexander Oturu revealed that, returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, where they were received by officials from the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and other government agencies.
Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Federal Commissioner of the NCFRMI, Honourable Aliyu Tijjani Ahmed, the *Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Alexander Oturu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian citizens. He emphasized that, in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the returnees would be provided with access to government-led empowerment initiatives and reintegration support through the IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) Programme.
The 144 returnees comprised 8 males, 100 females, 26 children, and 10 infants, all of whom were conveyed on an IOM-chartered flight from Libya.
Following their arrival, the returnees were transported to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) camp*, where the NCFRMI, IOM, and LASEMA operate under a tripartite agreement* to provide *temporary shelter*. In addition, the returnees will receive *onward transportation allowances* to facilitate their safe return to their respective communities.
In attendance was the Director General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Honourable Lucky Agazuma, who led a delegation to facilitate the free transportation* of Edo State indigenes to Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The reception exercise involved the profiling of returnees by the NCFRMI and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). Further assistance was provided by officials from the Port Health Services, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Federal Ministry of Labour (Migrant Resource Centre), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Child Protection Network, and *Web of Hearts Foundation, ensuring a *comprehensive and coordinated approach to the reception and reintegration process.
This return flight is part of an ongoing programme by the Federal Government in collaboration with IOM to facilitate the safe return and reintegration of Nigerians stranded abroad, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to the protection and welfare of its citizens globally.
Foreign news
Diplomatic Community in Nigeria Joins Italian Envoy in National Day Celebration
By Joel Ajayi
It was a vibrant evening of joy, connection, and cultural celebration as the Acting Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr. Iacopo Foti, hosted members of Nigeria’s diplomatic community in Abuja to commemorate Italy’s National Day, la Festa della Repubblica.
Held in the heart of Nigeria’s capital, the event was a memorable gathering marked by laughter, heartfelt exchanges, and a shared appreciation for the enduring ties between Italy and Nigeria.
In his address, Mr. Foti described the occasion as a time to reflect on the core values that define Italy: liberty, democracy, justice, and the enduring creativity and resilience of its people.
“It is a day to celebrate our rich history, our unparalleled cultural heritage, and our contributions to art, science, and innovation,” he said. “But beyond Italy, today we also celebrate the strong and growing bonds between the Republic of Italy and the Federal Republic of Nigeria — our economies, our cultures, and above all, our people.”
The ambassador emphasized the depth of the bilateral relationship, recalling that diplomatic ties between Italy and Nigeria were established on February 20, 1960. He noted that since the 1970s and 1980s, Nigeria has become a second home for many Italians who have contributed significantly across various sectors.
“We are proud to be part of this welcoming and vibrant society,” he said. “I have personally witnessed the dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and warmth of the Nigerian people, as well as their hospitality toward the Italian community.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Foti expressed optimism about the future of Italy-Nigeria relations, pointing to untapped opportunities for deeper economic cooperation, technological collaboration, and cultural and academic exchange.
“Nigeria is a cultural powerhouse, a leader in Africa and globally in art, literature, and film,” he remarked. “Italy, with its deep-rooted cultural legacy, is eager to expand its engagement with Africa, and particularly with Nigeria.”
He acknowledged the growing Nigerian interest in Italian culture — from fashion and design to cinema and tourism — while noting that Italy hosts the third-largest Nigerian diaspora community globally, after the United States and the United Kingdom.
The ambassador also highlighted the countries’ cooperation on global challenges such as climate change, peace and security, migration, and human trafficking. Both nations are signatories to the Paris Agreement and active participants in global policy dialogues.
“Our relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding,” he noted. “We see this in our economic ties, cultural exchanges, love for football, and the increasing number of Nigerians who study and travel to Italy, as well as Italians drawn to Nigeria’s rich history and culture.”
He pointed out the many shared qualities between Italians and Nigerians, from strong family values and communal bonds to a vibrant fashion industry and a dynamic film sector.
“We are both historically migrant societies that have achieved success abroad while keeping close ties to our homeland,” Mr. Foti said. “We share humor, resilience, and a deep appreciation for life’s ironies.”
Addressing the issue of stereotypes, he cited renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, saying: “The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete.”
He concluded by expressing gratitude for the support of Nigerian authorities and all who attended the celebration.
“On behalf of the Italian government and the people of Italy, I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who joined us. Your presence is a testament to the strength of our friendship and our shared future.”
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