The UN International Organisation for Migration said it facilitated the safe return of 1,000 stranded Nigerian migrants, as part of the Cooperation on Migration and Partnership for Sustainable Solutions initiative.

The COMPASS initiative was a partnership between the organisation and the Kingdom of The Netherlands, with the support of Nigeria.

IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission Laurent De Boeck disclosed this when a chartered flight from Niger Republic on February 6, 2024, ferried home 146 stranded Nigerian migrants.

De Boeck said the arrival of the latest charter flight supported by the COMPASS initiative, included women and children.

He said so far, 1,013 Nigerians had voluntarily returned home.

“The COMPASS is a global initiative launched in April 2021 to protect people on the scheme, combat human trafficking and smuggling, as well as support dignified return and reintegration of vulnerable migrants.

“As part of the initiative, IOM provides direct assistance to migrants, supports communities through awareness for safe migration, and works with authorities to strengthen their capacities to enhance migration governance.

“We are proud to celebrate this milestone in partnership with The Netherlands, which has so far provided a lifeline of support to thousands of vulnerable Nigerians.

“In line with our mandate, we will continue to advocate safe migration and regular pathways to reduce the risks related to irregular migration and human trafficking,” he said.

Mr Eric van der Burg, the Minister for Migration at the Ministry of Justice and Security, Kingdom of The Netherlands, highlighted the importance of partnerships toward ensuring that no migrant was left behind.

He explained that individual and community levels of returning Nigerian migrants often had limited access to income-generating activities and opportunities to integrate back into their communities.

The reintegration prospects for returning migrants, according to him, can be challenged by elevated levels of distress experienced in transit due to exposure to violence, exploitation, abuse, and lack of access to basic needs.

“Many continue to experience distress upon return due to feelings of shame or failure and stigmatisation by the community, without proper coaching and support they may opt for negative coping mechanisms.

“To deal with the trauma they may have experienced during their journeys, the COMPASS initiative by IOM has supported the government’s efforts at providing sustainable reintegration to Nigerian returned migrants since its inception in 2021.

“This was accomplished through initiatives that not only provide direct assistance to migrants but also strengthen the capacity of stakeholders, including government MDAs and civil society in providing reintegration assistance to returnees.

“Through the Initiative, IOM has supported the commission’s mandate of providing effective migration coordination through its support of the various migration governance frameworks, such as five thematic working groups, technical working groups, and development.

“These frameworks ensure coordination and synergy amongst relevant stakeholders involved in return, readmission, and reintegration.’’

The minister further disclosed that the IOM had assisted stranded Nigerians in other countries other than Niger.

“IOM has helped 1,013 Nigerians stranded in Mali, Lebanon, and Libya to safely return to their states of origin. About 110 returned migrants have received mental and psychosocial support through one-on-one counselling and psychosocial group sessions.

“Over 600 victims of trafficking have been provided assistance and protection with 19 unaccompanied migrant children assisted to connect with their families.

“Additionally, over 3,500 persons have been reached with key information on safe migration pathways through community-based awareness raising programmes and campaigns,” he said.

Nigeria and The Netherlands on February 6, 2024, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further deepen cooperation between the two countries in the field of politics, economics, and migration/consular.

(NAN)