Niger records over 60,000 migrants passing through its territory

Niger has recorded a total of 60,970 migrants passing through its territory to other neighbouring countries between February and April 2016.

Through its Displacement Tracking Matrix, authorities noted that of this total, 44,890 were recorded leaving Niger, while 16,080 were migrants entering the country.

Niger is a transit country for West African migrants travelling to and from Algeria and Libya.

For both transit points, the majority of migrants were men. In terms of the age distribution, the majority were between the ages of 18 and 59. Some vulnerable people were also identified, including children, female headed households and elderly people.

The main nationalities of those travelling towards Algeria were Nigeriens (37 percent), Malians (13 percent), Cameroonians (10 percent), Burkinabes (10 percent) and Guinea Bissauans (6 percent). Of those coming into Niger from Algeria, the main nationalities were Nigerien (40 percent), Malian (11 percent), Cameroonian (8 percent), Burkinabes (7 percent) and Gambians (6 percent).

The statistical information on migrant movements was collected on a daily basis, including a monthly deployment of survey teams to gather qualitative information directly from migrants.

Over 70 percent of those surveyed paid more than USD 345 for their migration journey to the transit points. The average cost of migration was ranging between USD 85 and USD 345.

Earlier this month, Niger’s government said it needed 1 billion euros to combat illegal migration through its borders.