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
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
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