Senate Passes Resolution to Secure Release of Nigerians Detained in Libya

Strategic Insights -

The Senate has passed a resolution calling on the federal government to intensify diplomatic efforts to secure the release and safety of Nigerians currently detained in Libya. The resolution was sponsored by Bassey Etim (PDP, Akwa Ibom North-East) who decried the plight of thousands of Nigerians illegally migrating to Libya and facing severe human rights abuses. The upper chamber urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage with Libyan authorities and mobilise collective regional and international action to protect Nigerians in detention.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Senate has passed a resolution calling on the federal government to secure the release and safety of Nigerians detained in Libya.
  • The resolution was sponsored by Bassey Etim (PDP, Akwa Ibom North-East) who decried the plight of thousands of Nigerians illegally migrating to Libya and facing severe human rights abuses.
  • The Senate urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage with Libyan authorities and mobilise collective regional and international action to protect Nigerians in detention.
  • Senator Bassey Etim called for a comprehensive reintegration and protection programme for returnees, including psychosocial support, vocational training, and enterprise start-up assistance.
  • The Senate Committees on Diaspora, Judiciary, Human Rights, and Foreign Affairs were called upon to investigate the activities of traffickers and unlicensed travel agents.
  • Several senators expressed strong support for the motion, with many calling for urgent government action to curb human rights abuses in Libya.

Statistics:

  • Thousands of Nigerians are illegally migrating to Libya and facing severe human rights abuses.
  • Nigerians who have been repatriated from Libya have recounted horrific experiences, including false detention, torture, sexual abuse, extortion, forced labour, and other forms of modern-day slavery.
  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been urged to engage with Libyan authorities and mobilise collective regional and international action to protect Nigerians in detention.

Sources:

  • See: "Senate Passes Resolution to Secure Release of Nigerians Detained in Libya" (Date: 2023) - [Source Not Available]
  • See: "Etim Speaks Out Against Trafficking, Torture of Nigerians in Libya" (Date: 2023) - [Source Not Available]
  • See: "Senate Urges Government to Protect Nigerians in Libya" (Date: 2023) - [Source Not Available]