IOM Reports Assisting 67,000 Stranded Nigerian Migrants Since 2017

The United Nations International Organization for Migration has rescued more than 67,000 stranded Nigerian migrants and provided psychological, social and economic support to at least 30,000 returnees since 2017. Ms Fatima Adeyemi, IOM Project Assistant on Awareness Raising, disclosed the numbers on Monday at a three-day migration reporting workshop in Lagos.

" Adeyemi said the organization acts with partners to drive solutions to displacements, save lives, take people on the roads and ensure they receive regular evaluation.

In southern Nigeria the focus is on facilitated migration and immigration management, and IOM works with ECOWAS to keep immigration issues within legal channels. IOM is conducting sensitization programs in government secondary schools, unity schools, military schools and schools near borders to inform students about legal migration routes before they encounter pressure to migrate illegally.

The agency also operates the Migration Resource Centre at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, where potential migrants receive verified information about destinations.

Adeyemi said IOM is developing a national referral mechanism with the National Commission for Refugees. Stranded migrants are advised to contact the nearest IOM office or Nigerian Embassy. The organization concentrates on safe return and improved integration for those who come back.

Adeyemi noted that many Nigerians remain unaware of IOM services and that journalists can help expand the reach of the sensitization effort.