Stranded Nigerians : Bold Plan to Reunite 15,000 citizens with Homeland

Stranded Nigerians in Cameroon, Niger, and Chad may soon find their long-awaited path home as the Federal Government rolls out a bold plan to bring back 15,000 citizens stuck in hardship and uncertainty.

These Nigerians, who fled their homes due to conflict, insecurity, and poverty, now seek a peaceful return. Many have spent years in makeshift shelters, refugee camps, or under constant threat in unfamiliar lands. Their stories are marked by survival—but also by hope.

Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), revealed the plan at a media briefing in Abuja. He said the commission is coordinating efforts to ensure that the return of these Nigerians is not only safe but also dignified.

“We have 15,000 Nigerians who want to return to the country voluntarily,” Mr Ahmed said. “We also have not less than 100,000 foreigners living in this country as refugees. All these are the responsibilities of the commission, to give them support.”

The plight of stranded Nigerians abroad isn’t just about numbers—it’s about lives interrupted and dreams paused. Some have been away from home for nearly a decade. Among them are children born in foreign refugee camps, youth who never got a chance to go to school, and elderly people in need of urgent medical care.

Amina Yusuf, a 35-year-old mother of four who fled Borno State for northern Cameroon in 2016, shared her longing. “I left everything behind,” she said. “We just want to come home, even if we have to start from nothing.”

Mr Ahmed emphasized that the commission’s mandate goes beyond repatriation. It includes full reintegration. That means shelter, education, healthcare, and job access for returnees. These are not just government responsibilities—they are moral obligations.

He acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who he said has given the commission the backing it needs to push these plans forward. “The President’s support has made it easier for us to act fast,” he said.

At the heart of this humanitarian effort is Nigeria’s growing role on the global stage. The country is now chair of the Rabat Process—a platform that brings together 57 countries from Europe and Africa to discuss migration and development issues. This position, according to Ahmed, is a rare opportunity to influence how migration is governed on the continent.

Nigeria is set to host a key Rabat Process meeting on May 13 and 14 in Abuja, with the theme: “Youth, Innovation and Education: Driving the Future of Migration.” Over 100 delegates are expected to attend.

“This platform offers a chance for stronger collaboration and smarter migration management,” Ahmed said. “It also helps us build better systems that prevent irregular migration and improve safe return processes.”

The challenges are steep. Displacement in Nigeria has reached over six million, while the number of refugees and asylum seekers abroad continues to rise. The push to bring 15,000 home is just a start—but it’s a meaningful one.

Ahmed also addressed the growing concern of young Nigerians falling prey to illegal migration routes. Many of them are deceived by traffickers or misled by fake promises of prosperity in Europe. The result? Thousands stuck in detention centers, dead in deserts, or forced into labor.

“There is a need to educate migrants about the consequences of irregular migration,” he said. “We must show them legal paths and support them to succeed here in Nigeria.”

To do that, the NCFRMI plans to launch awareness campaigns and partner with schools, media outlets, and religious leaders. The aim is to change how Nigerians think about migration and create realistic options for those who feel trapped by poverty.

“Returning home should not mean returning to suffering,” said Ahmed. “It should mean getting another shot at life.”

Preparations are already underway. The commission is working with local communities to identify resettlement areas. They’re training social workers to provide trauma care. And they’re partnering with international agencies to provide food, medicine, and school kits for children.

The logistics will take time. Some of the stranded Nigerians are located in remote areas with limited road access. Others need urgent medical evacuation. But the commission has pledged to leave no one behind.

Many Nigerians, both at home and abroad, have welcomed the plan. For families separated by borders, it offers a chance to reunite. For communities ravaged by insecurity, it’s a step toward healing.

Aisha, a displaced teacher who fled to Niger in 2018, said the thought of returning brings tears to her eyes. “I miss my classroom. I miss my village. I want to teach again. I want my son to go back to school,” she said.

Ahmed ended the briefing with a call to action, urging the media and civil society to join the mission. “Migration is everyone’s business. Let’s work together to bring our people home and give them a future.”

This mission goes beyond policy—it’s about restoring human dignity. Stranded Nigerians have waited long enough. Now, they are finally being called back to where they belong.