FG Reintegrates 1,100 Nigerian Returnees From Niger Republic

ABUJA — The Federal Government has completed the reintegration of 1,100 Nigerian nationals who returned from Niger Republic. The government said it has provided essential support to the returnees, including transportation to their home states, food relief, psychosocial counselling, and access to economic reintegration programmes.

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction confirmed the reintegration exercise on Friday. Officials said the returnees had been living in Niger Republic under difficult conditions following political instability in that country. Many had lost their livelihoods when the security situation in Niger deteriorated.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda said the government has a duty to bring Nigerians home safely and help them rebuild their lives. “Every Nigerian abroad who needs to come home deserves a dignified return. We will not abandon our people,” Yilwatda said.

The returnees arrived in batches at border crossings and were processed at reception centres in Katsina and Sokoto states. From there, they were transported to their respective home states across northern Nigeria. Officials said the entire exercise was coordinated with state governments and local authorities.

Niger Republic’s Political Crisis

Niger Republic has been under military rule since a coup in July 2023 overthrew the democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum. The country subsequently expelled French forces, withdrew from ECOWAS, and aligned itself more closely with Russia and other anti-Western partners.

The political upheaval disrupted economic activity and created a difficult environment for foreign nationals, including Nigerians who had settled there for trade, farming, and other livelihoods. Many returned to Nigeria voluntarily. Others were assisted by the Nigerian government through diplomatic channels.

Furthermore, the coup in Niger Republic was part of a wave of military takeovers across the Sahel. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad have also seen coups in recent years. The instability has displaced thousands of people and disrupted trade and social networks across the region.

Support for Returnees

The reintegrated returnees have been enrolled in federal government skills acquisition and economic empowerment programs. Those who expressed interest in farming received seedlings, tools, and access to extension services. Others were connected to microfinance institutions for small business support.

However, returnee welfare advocates said the government must do more to address the long-term needs of those who lost everything during their time abroad. They called for dedicated follow-up support to prevent returnees from falling into poverty or being forced to migrate again.

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons said it will continue to monitor the welfare of the returnees. The commission said a full report on the reintegration exercise will be submitted to the Federal Executive Council before the end of June 2026.