The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday expressed outrage over the plight of hundreds of Nigerian women and children languishing in Libyan prisons, describing their condition as “modern-day slavery.”
The upper chamber called for urgent diplomatic intervention to secure their release and repatriation following a motion sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey (Cross River South). The motion highlighted the recurring cases of human trafficking, slavery, and severe human rights abuses faced by Nigerians stranded in Libya — a country notorious as a dangerous transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe.
Supporting the motion, Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the Federal Government to take decisive action to end the suffering of the victims. Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) moved an additional motion directing the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Nigerian Correctional Service to collaborate with Libyan authorities to fast-track the release and repatriation of Nigerian female inmates and their children born in detention.
The motion, seconded by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, was unanimously adopted.
Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the exploitation of Nigerian women, many of whom were deceived with false promises of jobs abroad but ended up trafficked and imprisoned after escaping forced prostitution. “These women were victims twice over — first of traffickers, then of a broken system,” she said. “Several were sexually assaulted in detention, resulting in pregnancies. Their children, born behind bars, must not suffer for crimes they did not commit.”
In his presentation, Senator Bassey described Libya as “a corridor of death and despair” for Nigerians seeking to migrate illegally. He cited reports that about 1,000 Nigerians were repatriated from Libya in the first quarter of 2025 alone, many recounting stories of torture, sexual abuse, and forced labour.
“One survivor, Mercy Olugbenga, sold her family’s property to fund her trip to Libya, only to be held captive for over a year while her blood was repeatedly drained against her will. It is a chilling reminder that slavery still exists in our time,” he said.
The Senate also referenced reports by Amnesty International and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) documenting widespread abuses — including rape, arbitrary detention, and killings — in both state-run and militia-controlled Libyan detention centres.
Following an intense debate, the Senate urged the Federal Government, through the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Humanitarian Affairs, and NAPTIP, to initiate a comprehensive reintegration programme for returnees. The programme should include psychosocial support, skills training, and startup assistance for rescued victims.
Lawmakers further called for strengthened diplomatic engagement with Libya and collaboration with the African Union, ECOWAS, and the United Nations to ensure justice and protection for Nigerians in detention.
Additionally, the Senate directed its Committees on Diaspora, Judiciary, Human Rights, and Foreign Affairs to investigate human trafficking networks and unlicensed travel agents facilitating illegal migration, with a view to tightening existing laws and enforcement measures.
An amendment by Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) mandated NAPTIP to play an active role in both the repatriation and rehabilitation of victims, while Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) proposed increased public awareness campaigns through the National Orientation Agency to warn against irregular migration. “Nigerians have no business being in Libya. We must educate our people that there is no greener pasture in that country,” Oshiomhole said.
Senator Anthony Ani (Ebonyi South) described the migrants’ ordeal as “a stain on our national conscience,” while Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) condemned the silence of African leaders. “We are members of the African Union, yet Africans are treating fellow Africans worse than animals. The AU must act,” he declared.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Senator Bassey for the motion and tasked the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure its implementation. He also cautioned Nigerian youths against embarking on dangerous journeys abroad.
“Home is home. Many who leave in search of greener pastures only find pain abroad. Let us build our nation together, for there is no greater pride than being safe and free in one’s homeland,” Akpabio said.
