Nigerians considering travelling to Libya through irregular migration routes have been warned about the difficult conditions they could face after arriving in the North African country.
Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo issued the warning while discussing his 47-day undercover journey from Kano through Niger to Tripoli, during which he documented the experiences of migrants travelling along the Sahara route.
According to Soyombo, some Nigerians who leave the country because of economic hardship may assume that reaching Libya will provide better opportunities. However, he said many migrants become stranded after arriving because they cannot afford to continue their journey towards Europe...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
He explained that some migrants run out of money and are forced to take temporary jobs simply to survive and save enough money for another attempt to cross into Europe.
Soyombo also described difficulties faced by irregular migrants who cannot easily access normal banking services. He said migrants often have to keep their money as cash, potentially leaving them vulnerable to robbery.
The journalist further recounted experiences involving migrants who were allegedly taken to farms in desert areas to work under extremely hot conditions, with some reportedly not receiving payment for their labour.
He said the migrants had limited options for seeking help because of their irregular status in the country.
Soyombo stressed that he did not blame Nigerians who had already travelled to Libya, saying many migrants told him they would not have made the journey if they had known how difficult the conditions would become.
His investigation, he explained, was intended to give Nigerians considering the Sahara route a clearer picture of the dangers and challenges involved.
He also warned that the journey to Europe through the desert is highly unpredictable. Despite spending months preparing for his undercover investigation and initially being told the journey could take about 30 days, he eventually spent 47 days completing it.
The journalist urged Nigerians to understand the realities of irregular migration before embarking on the dangerous journey, particularly those who view Europe as an escape from economic hardship.
His account highlights the risks associated with the Sahara migration route, including financial exploitation, extreme weather, insecurity, irregular employment and the possibility of becoming stranded in Libya.
For Nigerians considering the route, the warning is a reminder that reaching Libya does not guarantee access to better opportunities or a successful journey to Europe.
