Life in Transit during irregular migration from Nigeria
For many migrants leaving Nigeria, the journey toward Europe or other destinations does not happen all at once. Instead, migrants often pass through several transit countries, where they may stay for weeks, months, or even years before continuing their journey.
During this time, migrants may experience difficult living conditions, uncertainty, and various risks.
Life in Transit — Knowledge Check
The journey from Nigeria to Europe passes through some of the world's most dangerous transit zones — Agadez, the Sahara, Libya. For most migrants, the "transit" phase is not a brief stop. It can last months or years. How well do you understand what that life actually looks like? Answer all 8 questions.
1. Living in Temporary and Unstable Conditions
Migrants in transit frequently live in temporary or informal accommodation while waiting for the next stage of their journey.
These living situations may include:
overcrowded apartments or shared rooms
informal shelters arranged by smugglers
temporary camps or abandoned buildings
Access to essential services such as healthcare, clean water, sanitation, and food may be limited in some transit locations.
2. Waiting Long Periods to Continue the Journey
Migration routes are often organized in multiple stages.
Migrants may have to wait until they can:
find a smuggler or transportation for the next part of the route
collect enough money to continue travelling
obtain travel documents or new arrangements
These waiting periods can sometimes last months or even years, depending on the route and the circumstances.
3. Dependence on Smugglers and Informal Networks
During transit, many migrants rely on smuggling networks or intermediaries to help them continue their journey.
However, this dependence can create additional risks. Some migrants report:
being abandoned during the journey
being forced to pay additional fees
being kept in “safe houses” until families send more money
Criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling may take advantage of migrants’ vulnerable situations.
4. Limited Access to Work and Income
Migrants in transit often struggle to find stable employment.
Some may try to earn money through informal jobs in order to finance the rest of their journey. However:
work opportunities may be irregular
wages may be very low
migrants may face unsafe or exploitative working conditions
Without stable income, migrants can become stuck in transit locations for long periods.
5. Exposure to Exploitation and Crime
Migrants travelling through transit countries may face increased vulnerability to exploitation.
Possible risks include:
robbery or theft
extortion or bribery
exploitation by employers or smugglers
detention by authorities due to irregular status
Migrants may also experience discrimination or social isolation because of their vulnerable situation.
