The Senate has urged the Federal Government to take swift diplomatic and humanitarian steps to repatriate Nigerian women and children currently held in detention centres across Libya.
The call came during Tuesday’s plenary following a motion raised by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who warned of the ongoing abuse faced by Nigerian migrants trafficked through the North African country.
Senator Bassey described the migration route through Libya as dangerous and deadly, with many Nigerians suffering horrific abuses including torture, forced labour, and sexual violence.
Bassey noted that over 1,000 Nigerians were already repatriated in the first three months of 2025, many returning with disturbing accounts of mistreatment.
Supporting the motion, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan proposed that immigration and correctional authorities work directly with Libyan counterparts to accelerate the release of Nigerian women and children particularly those born in detention.
She stressed that most victims were lured abroad under false pretences, only to end up in prisons after escaping exploitation.
“These women have suffered sexual abuse in captivity. Some gave birth while incarcerated. Their children should not grow up behind bars,” she said.
The motion, seconded by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, received unanimous approval.
Following debate, the Senate urged the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Humanitarian Affairs, alongside the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), to develop a reintegration plan for returnees and intensify international engagement to protect Nigerians still in custody.
Senator Anthony Ani described the situation as a national embarrassment, while Senator Victor Umeh criticised what he called the African Union’s silence on human rights violations by fellow African states.
“We cannot remain quiet while Africans are abused in Africa. The AU must act,” Senator Umeh said.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the motion’s sponsor and directed the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure that resolutions are followed through. He also advised Nigerian youths to be wary of irregular migration.
“Too many who leave in search of greener pastures find only hardship. It is time to believe in building Nigeria,” he said.
