By Gambo Zilkifilu Mohammed
Many Nigerians embark on this treacherous journey, fleeing poverty, conflict, and climate-related disasters in their homeland. They dream of finding better opportunities in Europe or other parts of Africa, but often find themselves trapped in Libya and other North African countries subjected to exploitation, trafficking, and detention. Over 7,000 Nigerian migrants are stranded in Libya and other North African countries, according to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). This staggering number highlights the desperation and risks faced by many Nigerians seeking a better life abroad.
According to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). This staggering number highlights the desperation and risks faced by many Nigerians seeking a better life abroad. This was disclosed on August 20, 2025, at the official launch of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Strategic Plan for Nigeria (2025-2027) in Abuja.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has indeed emphasized the need for collective action to address the root causes of irregular migration and provide safer, legal alternatives for young Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad. According to her, the matter is a national concern that requires collaboration between private and public organizations to tackle the issue effectively.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of irregular migration, including economic hardship, misinformation, human rights violations, and deceptive promises by unauthorized recruiters. She also commended the Association of Recruiter License Placement Agencies of Nigeria (ARLPAN) for its commitment to tackling irregular migration and reaffirming NIDCOM's dedication to working with relevant agencies to promote safe and legal migration pathways.
Dabiri-Erewa's concerns are echoed by other experts, who argue that Nigeria needs to reframe the migration conversation beyond reactive repatriation and focus on institutional reforms, job creation, and international collaboration to dismantle smuggling networks. According to Magnus Onyibe, an entrepreneur and public policy analyst, in an opinion piece in Independent Newspaper Nigeria. "Human trafficking is one of the darkest stains on our time. Yet it is not beyond remedy." He advocates for a united approach, including storytelling that reshapes perception, cultural leadership that breaks spiritual bondage, and economic investment that restores dignity.
Human traffickers and smugglers prioritize profits over human lives, leading to devastating consequences. Former victims of human trafficking have shared their harrowing experiences, highlighting the need for greater awareness. According to Tracy Stephen, a young hairdresser from Edo State, was scammed by a human trafficker who promised to take her to Italy. According to reports by Sahara Reporters, she was instead taken to Libya, where she faced inhumane treatment and was eventually deported back to Nigeria. This story is not unique, as many Nigerians have shared similar experiences of being trafficked and exploited. Sahara Reporters also reports that 162 Nigerians, including women and children, were repatriated from Libya in August 2025, highlighting the ongoing efforts to assist stranded migrants.
The Oba of Benin's efforts to combat human trafficking were highlighted in a research report titled "Pathway to Prevention: A Research Report on Recruiters of Sex Trafficking in Oredo LGA, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria". This report was published in 2020 by the CLEEN Foundation and Pathfinders Justice Initiative. According to the report, the Oba of Benin took steps to confront trafficking networks, summoning priests to annul the potency of juju oaths that silence victims. This royal intervention has given victims courage to speak up and emboldened communities to confront traffickers.
The Nigerian Government Efforts and International Cooperation
The experiences of Nigerian migrants have been documented by various sources, highlighting the dangers and consequences of irregular migration. According to reports by the International Organization for Migration (IOM, 2025), many Nigerians have fallen prey to human traffickers who promise them a better life in Europe or other parts of Africa. These migrants often face extreme hardships, including violence, exploitation, and death on their journey.
The Nigerian government has been urged to provide better support and protection for migrants, including addressing the root causes of migration and providing safer alternatives for young Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad. According to reports by Media Talk Africa, the government has taken steps to address the issue, including collaborating with international organizations to facilitate the repatriation of stranded migrants.
The Nigerian government, in collaboration with international organizations like the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has been working to facilitate the repatriation of stranded migrants. According to an article by John Anayo in Champion Newspapers, the IOM has launched a strategic plan for Nigeria, 2025-2027, aimed at addressing migration crises and promoting sustainable development.
The plight of Nigerian migrants in Libya demands a comprehensive response, addressing the root causes of irregular migration and providing support to those affected. The international community must step up its efforts to prevent such tragedies from recurring. As Magnus Onyibe notes in a Featured an opinion piece In Independent Newspaper Nigeria, "The tragedy of young lives wasted in deserts, seas, and detention centers must not continue. It is time to act, and to act decisively. Highlighting, Dabiri-Erewa's statement which emphasized the need for collective action to address the root causes of irregular migration and provide safer, legal alternatives for young Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
