World Refugee Day: Nigerian returnee migrant recounts failed journey to Europe

World
Europe

02:48

Thousands of African migrants are still attempting the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea. Libya has been criticised for its migrant detention centres -- and African governments have been flying their citizens back from the North African country. CGTN's Kelechi Emekalam caught up with one returnee who's rebuilding his life in the Nigerian capital.

This incomplete building is Kingsley Omoghai's home.

The 37-year-old is one of thousands of Nigerians who took the risky journey to Europe through the deserts and Mediterranean sea. He abandoned his carpentry trade in search of a better life in Europe. He made it to Italy but he was subsequently but he was deported.

KINGSLEY OMOGHAI, NIGERIAN RETURNEE "They now started collecting money, 500 dollars, 200 dollars, to bail yourself, if you have a family abroad, you will call them they will send you the money, then you now release yourself in that place, then you enter inside Libya, there is no more job in that place."

Kingsley is now trying to rebuild his life from scratch. He now works at this construction site as a caretaker sometimes doubling as a construction worker. The job hardly pays enough to keep him going but he says, this is all he has for now. I asked him if he would ever attempt a similar journey to Europe.

KINGSLEY OMOGHAI, NIGERIAN RETURNEE "No I can't pass that road 2 times because the first time I passed the road I passed through many stress. Even though I see somebody who want to go I will advise him not to go because the stress there is too much."

KELECHI EMEKALAM, ABUJA, NIGERIA "Nigeria constitutes the largest number of illegal migrants. In 2018 alone, about 60% of Illegal migrants are reported to be Nigerians.

It's been a topical issue here as authorities try to dissuade people from embarking on such perilous journeys but unemployment here is one of the highest in Africa and thus forcing more people into seeking opportunities elsewhere."

Kelechi Emekalam CGTN Abuja Nigeria.