The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has revealed that about 7,000 Nigerian migrants are currently stranded in Libya.
Dabiri-Erewa made this known on Tuesday night during the official launch of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Strategic Plan for Nigeria (2025–2027), held in Abuja.
“As we speak, 7,000 Nigerians are stranded in Libya. In 2025, people still travel through the desert to die,” Dabiri-Erewa said while expressing concern over the continued trend of irregular migration through dangerous routes.
The event also featured remarks from the IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, who stressed that the newly launched strategy was a nationally driven initiative.
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“This is not just an IOM strategy for Nigeria, it is Nigeria’s strategy supported by IOM, developed through inclusive consultations and shaped by national priorities,” Dimanche stated.
She further called for commitment from government institutions and stakeholders to ensure the strategy is effectively implemented.
“We are not just launching the strategy to leave it there, but I’m counting on each and every one of you to implement that strategy together, so that when we sit down three years, five years from now, we can hold each other accountable.
“We want to see that difference. And I’m counting on you for your support to make that difference,” she added.
