ABUJA — The revelation that over 7,000 Nigerians are currently stranded in Libya has once again spotlighted the deepening socio-economic crisis in Nigeria, forcing many citizens to risk their lives on perilous migration routes in search of survival.
Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed the figure during the launch of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Strategic Plan for Nigeria (2025–2027) in Abuja.
“As we speak, 7,000 Nigerians are stranded in Libya. In 2025, people will still travel through the desert to die,” Dabiri-Erewa lamented, expressing concern over the continued trend of irregular migration through dangerous desert routes.
Also speaking at the event, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, stressed that the new strategy was homegrown, shaped by Nigeria’s national priorities and collective consultations. She urged government agencies and stakeholders to own the process and ensure implementation.
The crisis was further underscored on May 10, when 78 Nigerian victims of human trafficking were repatriated from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to Lagos. The rescue was coordinated by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with NAPTIP, IOM, the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan, and Air Peace Airlines.
The disturbing Libya report has fueled widespread debate about the root causes of the mass exodus of Nigerians. Many point to worsening insecurity, record unemployment, soaring inflation, and an economy that has left millions unable to afford basic food items.
Kidnapping, terrorism, and armed banditry have further driven desperation, with many Nigerians choosing to flee — even to unstable destinations like Libya — rather than remain at home.
A former Katsina lawmaker, Yusuf Shehu, argued that insecurity plays as much of a role as hunger. “Those Nigerians who knew that there was a crisis in Libya and still decided to go there believe that even with the situation in Libya, it is still safer than Nigeria,” he said.
Others, like Mallam Ibrahim Sabiu, believe many stranded migrants had hoped to use Libya as a transit route to Europe through the Mediterranean, only to find themselves trapped.
For Middle Belt Forum President, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, the trend reflects Nigeria’s stark realities: “As long as there is insecurity, people will migrate and move out of this country.”
Lagos businessman Samson Odega described the situation as “embarrassing” and warned that failure by the government to act swiftly could escalate into something “more worrisome.”
Migration expert Osita Osemene of Patriotic Citizens Initiative (PCI) urged authorities to tackle the root causes — insecurity, economic hardship, and lack of opportunities.
“This number is just a tip of the iceberg,” Osemene said. “If Nigeria’s economy begins to boom and lives are secured, these desperate migrations will naturally stop.”
For now, however, the desperation continues — with hunger, poverty, and fear pushing thousands of Nigerians to seek safety and survival outside their homeland, no matter the risks
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