Over 400,000 Nigerians currently stranded in Chad, Niger, and Cameroon are set to be repatriated—a stark reflection of Nigeria’s worsening economic and security challenges. These individuals, forced to leave their homeland, cite hunger, violence, and economic hardship as the main reasons for their migration.
For many, the dream of finding a better life elsewhere turned into a harsh reality of displacement and uncertainty. Now, efforts are being made to bring them home, but the big question remains: Will the situation they return to be any better?
Government and UNHCR Join Forces
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), is leading efforts to repatriate these displaced Nigerians. Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner for the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), confirmed that repatriation has already begun.
Last week alone, 3,000 Nigerians were returned from Chad, with more expected to follow in the coming weeks. However, experts warn that if the root causes of migration—hunger, poverty, and insecurity—are not addressed, the cycle of displacement will continue.
From Dreams to Despair: The Harsh Reality of Migration
While some Nigerians fled for safety, others embarked on these dangerous journeys with hopes of reaching Europe via Libya and Algeria. Unfortunately, many became stranded in transit, facing harsh conditions, exploitation, and even death.
Migration expert Osita Osemene points out that many were misled by traffickers, believing they would find better opportunities in neighboring countries. But upon arrival, they were met with even worse conditions, leaving them trapped with nowhere to go.
Is Nigeria Ready to Welcome Them Back?
The question now is: What awaits these returnees back home?
With the economy still struggling and insecurity rampant, many fear that returning refugees may face the same hardships that drove them away in the first place. Experts emphasize that fixing the economy, securing lives, and creating jobs must be a top priority to prevent further mass migration.
The Road Ahead: A Call for Action
For Nigeria to stop losing its citizens to migration, there’s an urgent need for bold reforms in:
✅ Food security – Reducing the cost of staple foods and increasing agricultural output.
✅ Security improvements – Tackling terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings head-on.
✅ Job creation – Investing in industries that provide employment and economic stability.
✅ Stronger border control – Preventing illegal migration while ensuring safe, legal pathways.
Until these fundamental issues are addressed, Nigerians will continue to seek survival beyond their borders—whether in neighboring African countries or across treacherous seas toward Europe
