The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has successfully repatriated 104 stranded Nigerians from N’Djamena, Chad Republic, who arrived at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano. Dr. Nuradeen Abdullahi, Coordinator of NEMA’s Kano Territorial Office, expressed this while welcoming the returnees on Tuesday.
The returnees, consisting of 34 males, 18 females, and 52 children from various states in Nigeria, including Kano, Katsina, Borno, Akwa Ibom, and Yobe, were transported by SKY MALI Airlines, operated by Ethiopian Airline B737-500 with registration number UR-CQX, and arrived at the airport at approximately 2:15 p.m.
Dr. Abdullahi emphasized that the repatriation was carried out through a voluntary program facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration, aimed at assisting distressed Nigerians who had sought greener pastures in Europe but could not afford to return due to challenges in their journey.
He further revealed that the government would provide skill acquisition training to the returnees to equip them with trades and enable them to become self-reliant, thereby facilitating their integration into society. He also urged the returnees to abide by the law and cautioned Nigerians against illegal migration, emphasizing the risks and dangers associated with seeking greener pastures in foreign lands.
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It is worth noting that this recent repatriation is part of NEMA’s ongoing efforts to provide support and assistance to stranded Nigerians abroad. In a similar development, the Agency has successfully received and assisted 444 stranded Nigerians from Niamey, Niger Republic between February and April 2023, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
