FG repatriates 481 Nigerians from Libya

The Federal Government yesterday repatriated 481 stranded Nigerians from Libya following presidential directive.

About 4, 511 others are billed to be repatriated soon.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyema, said the Federal Government would work out modalities to rehabilitate the Libya returnees.

Mr Onyema, who addressed the returnees at the Port Harcourt International Airport Omagwa, Rivers State shortly after their arrival from Libya, said at the end of the rehabilitation the returnees will be able to secure gainful employment

The returnees, who are being camped at a Reception Centre in Port Harcourt, will be returned to their respective states afterwards.

The returnees were accompanied by the DirectorGeneral of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Engr. Mustapha Maihaja; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the Diaspora Affairs, Mrs. Abike DabiriErewa and a representative of the National Security Adviser.

Mr. Onyeama had negotiated the exit of the returnees with the Libyan Government.

The returnees landed at the Port Harcourt International Airport at about 5.05pm into the waiting arms of Onyeama and other members of the delegation.

The minister said: “On behalf of the President, I welcome you back to your country. Mr. President and the good people of Nigeria were concerned about your well-being and sent a delegation. The President put all resources at our disposal to bring you back. “We came and saw where so many of you were being held in difficult and inhuman condition.

“We had good understanding with Libyan Government and we are happy to bring back these Nigerians home. The Federal Government will do its best to return them safely to their various states.

“This administration continue to protect will every Nigerian at home and abroad.”

NEMA DG Maihaja returnees said: “The returnees will undergo profiling, medical examination and other processes before reuniting them with their families.

“We are collaborating with relevant state governments to receive these returnees at the Reception Centre.”

A member of the delegation, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa said: “We will leave no stone unturned to evacuate all Nigerians trapped in Libya.”