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