By Nkechi Eze
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received 100 Nigerian returnees from Algeria under the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programme facilitated by the International Organization for Migration in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The returnees were received on March 25, 2026, at about 14:40 hours by the Lagos Operations Office of NEMA in partnership with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. They arrived aboard an Air Algerie flight with registration number 7T-VJT.
According to officials, the group comprised 96 adults—77 males and 19 females—and four infants, including two males and two females. Upon arrival, personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and documentation to ensure proper identification and facilitate their reintegration process.
In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to a safe, dignified, and humane return process, the returnees were immediately provided with humanitarian assistance. This included food and potable water, medical care alongside ambulance services for those in need, as well as luggage handling and logistics support to ease their movement. Counselling and general coordination services were also provided to ensure a seamless reception.
The exercise underscores ongoing collaborative efforts between Nigerian authorities and international partners to manage migration challenges while prioritising the welfare and reintegration of returning citizens.
