7,000 Nigerians Stranded In Libya – Dabiri-Erewa Discloses

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has disclosed that around 7,000 Nigerian migrants are currently stranded in Libya.

She made the revelation on Tuesday night during the official 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 still travel through the desert to die,” Dabiri-Erewa said, highlighting the dangers of continued irregular migration through hazardous routes.

The launch also featured remarks from the IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, who emphasized that the strategic plan is a collaborative, nationally driven initiative.

“This is not just an IOM strategy for Nigeria; it is Nigeria’s strategy supported by IOM, developed through inclusive consultations and guided by national priorities,” Dimanche said.

She called on government agencies and stakeholders to take ownership and actively implement the plan.

“We are not launching this strategy to let it sit on a shelf. I am counting on every one of you to work together in implementing it, so that in three or five years, we can hold ourselves accountable. We want to see real change, and I’m counting on your support to make that difference,” she added.