By Gambo Zilkifilu Mohamed
Email: [email protected]
Many Nigerians embark on the treacherous japa journey to escape poverty, unemployment, conflict, and climate-related disasters in their homeland. They dream of finding better opportunities in Europe or other parts of Africa but often end up trapped in Libya and other North African countries, where they are subjected to exploitation, trafficking, and detention.
Over 7,000 Nigerians are reported to be stranded in Libya and other North African countries, according to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). She disclosed this figure on August 20, 2025, during the official launch of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Strategic Plan for Nigeria (2025–2027) in Abuja. This staggering number underscores the desperation and risks many Nigerians face while seeking a better life abroad.
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Sahara Reporters also reported that 162 Nigerians, including women and children, were repatriated from Libya in August 2025, reflecting ongoing efforts to assist stranded migrants.
Most of these Nigerians are victims of human traffickers and smugglers who prioritize profit over human lives, leading to devastating consequences. Several survivors of trafficking and smuggling have shared their harrowing experiences, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and intervention.
According to Anthonia Nweke Stephen, a young hairdresser from Anambra State, she was scammed by a trafficker who promised to take her to Italy. Instead, she was taken to Libya, where she faced inhumane treatment before being deported back to Nigeria. Her story is not unique, as many others have been trafficked and exploited in similar ways.
For Obiora Nancy, a 23-year-old from Enugu State, the journey also ended in regret. She recalled: “At first, I was happy, thinking I was traveling abroad. But after two weeks, things turned from bad to worse. Before I knew it, I was stranded, helpless, and homeless.”
Similarly, Ibrahim Muazu shared his ordeal. “I am a football player. A man approached me claiming to be an international agent who could help me secure a contract in Europe. He told me to get my passport and visa money ready. I raised the money and got my passport, but along the way, we stopped at Egypt airport. Before I realized it, the man had disappeared.”
He added: “I waited for hours at the airport before it became clear I had been scammed and left stranded. Eventually, the officials connected me to the Nigerian embassy, and that was how I got deported back to Nigeria.”
Adanna Uche from Delta State also recounted her ordeal, calling it “a miracle” to survive the streets of Tunis. She explained: “I love modeling and often engaged in it. One day, a woman came to my DM and promised she could make me a world-class model. I quickly fell into her trap. When we arrived in Tunis, she claimed the weather was bad and that was why we stopped there. I had no choice but to believe her. Later, they seized our phones and passports, but luckily, I managed to escape into the streets of Tunis.”
Experts advise that the Nigerian government must rethink its approach to migration beyond reactive repatriation. They recommend institutional reforms, job creation, and international collaboration to dismantle smuggling networks. According to Magnus Onyibe, an entrepreneur and public policy analyst: “Human trafficking is one of the darkest stains of our time, yet it is not beyond remedy.” He advocates for a united approach—using storytelling to reshape perceptions, cultural leadership to break spiritual bondage, and economic investment to restore dignity.
Reports by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in 2025 reveal that many Nigerians have fallen prey to traffickers promising them better lives abroad. Instead, they endure extreme hardships, including violence, exploitation, and even death during the journey.
The Nigerian government has been urged to provide stronger protection for migrants by tackling the root causes of migration and creating safer alternatives for young Nigerians. Steps have been taken, including collaborations with international bodies to facilitate repatriation. The IOM’s new strategic plan for Nigeria (2025–2027) seeks to address migration crises and promote sustainable development.
The plight of Nigerian migrants in Libya calls for a comprehensive response—addressing root causes and providing support to victims. The international community must intensify efforts to prevent such tragedies. As Magnus Onyibe stressed, the waste of young lives in deserts, seas, and detention centers must not continue. Likewise, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the need for collective action to provide safer, legal opportunities for Nigerians seeking a better future abroad.
