Assisted Voluntary Return to Nigeria: Short Return Stories...Upon his return to Nigeria in June 2010, Mr. O. decided to settle down in Port Harcourt and to establish the business project

Sale of motor spare parts in Lagos Duration of project implementation: 7 months

Upon his return to Lagos in August 2009, Mr. O contacted IOM Lagos in order to work out a business plan for the sale of motor spare parts. After his business plan was approved by FOM, he was able to rent a shop and to buy an initial stock of goods. During the implementation of his project, he took the opportunity to attend business training in Lagos and to learn the basics of entrepreneurship. His business has now been implemented as his shop is located in a busy area. Mr. O is satisfied with his situation to such an extent that he is planning to open a second shop for cosmetics. “The program is a source to give people better future and hope.”

Grocery store in Lagos Duration of project implementation: 6 months

Mr. E returned to Nigeria with IOM in September 2009. With his reintegration assistance, he decided to open a grocery store as he used to work as a shop assistant before travelling to Europe. By the end of the year, he had attended business training in Lagos and he “enjoyed the lectures a lot. I learnt how important it is to keep proper records in business and to set a goal for myself in my business.” Mr. E is satisfied with his project and he is not considering leaving the country again because “there is no place like home where you are really accepted! The return assistance is very nice […], because it is helping a lot of us to get back to their foot again.”

Production of plastic bags in Aba Duration of project implementation: 4 months Upon his return to Aba in April 2009, Mr. R decided to restart his work as a palm oil salesman. He benefited from his reintegration assistance and started to implement his project with the assistance of IOM. Mr. R used to travel to various parts of the county to source and sell his products. Unfortunately, however, he had to stop his project due to incessant kidnappings in the region. Thus, he decided to start a new business: production of plastic bags. He is now very pleased with his new venture, hoping to receive credit facilities to enable expansion.

Assisted Voluntary Return to Nigeria: Short Return Stories

Sale of children’s clothes in Lagos Duration of project implementation: 8 months

Mr. A returned to Nigeria in July 2009. His intention was to settle down in Enugu, but instead he decided to stay in Lagos and to open a shop for children’s clothes. With the help of IOM he devised a business plan and started his project. During the implementation of the project he attended business training in Lagos and particularly appreciated the business planning skills he gained. His shop has become a reality, although profitability is limited since his business is seasonal. However, Mr. A believes that his sales will increase in the future.

Barber salon in Owerri Duration of project implementation: 7 months

Mr. N returned to Nigeria in September 2009 after spending one year in Switzerland. IOM employees met him at Lagos Airport, where he received reintegration assistance upon arrival and further assistance for his onward journey to Owerri. He decided to open up a barber salon and traveled back to Lagos to submit a business plan. After approval thereof by FOM, Mr. N received his first payment. In the following seven months, he received his whole reintegration assistance. He is now very happy with the progress of his project which nearly covers his entire living expenses. “The program is very good because it has made it possible for me to settle down and to set up a business.”

Food store in Aba Duration of project implementation: 3 months

Upon his return to Aba in August 2009, Mr. A planned to establish a transportation business. He submitted a business plan and proof of payment for a bus. As the bus cost more than his reintegration assistance, Mr. A would have had to pay the balance himself. But upon approval by FOM, he realized he was not able to raise the required funds. Therefore, he submitted a new business plan for a food store that allowed him to start his project in February 2010. He used his reintegration assistance for the purchase of goods and for the rent. Now he manages his own shop hoping to employ staff in the future.

Assisted Voluntary Return to Nigeria: Short Return Stories

Haulage business in Port Harcourt Duration of project implementation: 8 months

In April 2009, Mr. U returned to Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He wanted to start a business in supplying building sites with sand by buying a lorry. Soon after his return to Nigeria, Mr. U. was compassing his business plan with the help of IOM Lagos. He bought a lorry and arranged some contracts with constructing enterprises. In January 2010, Mr. U. reported that the income of his business covers most of his needs. Besides, he is selling second-hand cars. He is grateful for the assistance and will marry soon.

Trade in Construction Materials in Delta State

Duration of project implementation: 14 months

Mr. R. returned to Nigeria in April 2009. About one month after arrival, he decided to invest the project assistance granted by the Federal Office for Migration (FOM) in the trade of construction materials in Delta State. He started to implement his business thereafter. Although it took a while to organize the necessary material and documents, he succeeded in setting up a little workshop. He appreciated the possibility to participate in the business training organized by IOM and SMEDAN. In the meantime, he was even able to open a little restaurant next to his shop. He is married and became father of a son and is very happy with his situation.

Sale of Spare Parts in Lagos Duration of project implementation: 5 months

In November 2009, Mr. M. returned to Lagos. With the help of the assistance granted by the FOM, he planned to open a shop for spare parts in a trade fair complex in Lagos and wanted to use one part of the assistance for the rental of an apartment. When IOM Lagos staff visited Mr. M. six months after his return, he informed that he is still living at the same place and appreciated the assistance that allowed him to implement his business successfully: “I am very happy to have the opportunity to profit [from] this program. Without this program, I don’t know how my condition would be today.”

Assisted Voluntary Return to Nigeria: Short Return Stories

Sale of air conditioners and split units in Lagos Duration of project implementation: 8 months

Mr. V. decided to return to his home country Nigeria in May 2010 and applied for return assistance. Three months later, IOM organized his return flight to Lagos. He had already discussed his business project with the return counselor in Switzerland and planned to sell air conditioners. Soon after his arrival, he submitted the business plan for the sale of air conditioners and split units. After approval from the FOM, Mr. V. started his project. In December 2010, he took part in the business training workshop organized by IOM and held by SMEDAN, a governmental agency for the development of small and medium enterprises. Seven months after the beginning of his project IOM visited Mr. V. in

his shop. He informed that he is able to support five persons with the income generated through this business project.

Sale of Toyota spare in Lagos Duration of project implementation: 6 months

Mr. N. returned to Nigeria in April 2010 and planned to open a motor spare parts store for Toyota cars in Lagos. He submitted his business plan that was accepted by FOM thereafter. He received the granted project assistance in three installments and registered his shop officially with the respective authority (CAC) in November 2010. In the meantime, he earns enough money to support three persons. Mr. N. is very grateful for the financial assistance he received from the Swiss government as well as the support of IOM and has now the opportunity to live on his business.

Sale of mobile phones and accessories Duration of project implementation: 8 months

Mr. I. returned to Lagos, Nigeria in March 2010 and planned to open a business center to sell mobile phones and accessories. He submitted his business plan one month after return. Only a few days later his project was accepted by the FOM. Mr. I received the first installment and could start with his business project straight away. When IOM visited Mr. I. in his shop, he informed that he invested the income of his thriving sales project in the purchase of a bus. Thus, Mr. I. maintains a transportation project beside his main activity of selling mobile phones. He could hence register two successful activities under the name of “Fadanexton Enterprises” in November 2010.

Assisted Voluntary Return to Nigeria: Short Return Stories

Sale of Ladies Handbags, Wallets and Purses in Lagos Duration of project implementation: 13 months

Upon his return to Lagos in March 2010, Mr. O. first planned to start a transportation business in Lagos. While searching for an appropriate vehicle, he realized the vast risk and high costs of such a business. Looking for a more profitable business, he finally decided to sell ladies handbags, wallets and purses in the ‘Trade Fair Complex’, the biggest commercial center in Lagos. He started his new business in November 2010 by himself and had immediate success. The new business plan was accepted by the FOM and Mr. O. consequently invested the granted assistance in the new project. He is very satisfied with his current situation. In November 2011, he proudly presented his shop to a delegation of Swiss FOM and IOM.

Sale of Electronics Items in Port Harcourt Duration of project implementation: 11 months

Upon his return to Nigeria in June 2010, Mr. O. decided to settle down in Port Harcourt and to establish the business project he had developed with the help of the return counsellor in Switzerland (sale of electronics items). After his business plan was approved by FOM, he started with the business project implementation. In July 2011, Mr. O. took part in the business training in Benin City which helped him to consolidate his business project. Today, Mr. O. is very satisfied with his activity and his financial stability that allows him to financially support three family members.

Sale of Upholstery in Kano Duration of project implementation: 11 months

In November 2010, Mr. Y. returned to Kano. Before he left Nigeria, he used to work in the sale of upholstery. Thus, he decided to restart his previous activity and open an upholstery shop in Kano. He invested the granted funds from FOM in the upholstery business and used one part to pay the rent of an apartment. He submitted all required documents and his project was accepted by the FOM. Nowadays, M. Y. is very pleased with his business project which is officially registered and operational. He runs his successful business with the help of an employee and wishes to expand it in the future.

Assisted Voluntary Return to Nigeria: Short Return Stories

Sale of Jewellery Items in Lagos Duration of project implementation: 15 months

Mr. A. returned to Nigeria in March 2010. Prior to his return, he had already drafted a business plan and planned to sell electronics items in Port Harcourt, but upon arrival, Mr. A. faced a difficult market situation and dropped his original idea. Therefore, he decided to settle in Aba and run a business selling building materials. Because of security concerns he relocated to Lagos after several months and submitted a new business plan. In June 2010, Mr. A. took part in the business training workshop organized by IOM and SMEDAN in Benin City. He declared that this training was really useful for him to develop a new business project: he decided to sell jewellery in Lagos. Nowadays, Mr. A is very pleased with this new venture.

Hairdressing Salon in Lagos Duration of project implementation: 7 months

Ms. O. returned to Lagos in November 2010. Upon return she opened her own hairdressing salon, as she had already planned in the framework of return counseling in Switzerland. Ms. O. took part in the business training with SMEDAN which was very useful in successfully implement her project. Hence, she now has a well-established business which supports the livelihood of two other persons. Ms. O. is very happy and thankful for the support she received and is now even planning to expand her business as well as to open an additional import business for shoes and clothes.

Repair Shop in Lagos Duration of the project implementation: 11 months

Before returning to Nigeria in November 2010, Mr. O. had already planned to invest the project assistance granted by the Federal Office for Migration (FOM) to open a repair shop in Owerri with the assistance of IOM. Upon arrival, he analysed the market situation in various Nigerian cities and realized that it was more profitable to start his business in Lagos. Although he took a while to organize the relocation to Lagos, he succeeded in setting up a well-functioning repair shop. Mr O. is very satisfied with the progress of his project and is considering expanding his business.

Assisted Voluntary Return to Nigeria: Short Return Stories

Provision and Cosmetic Store in Awka Duration of the project implementation: 4 months

Mr. N. returned to Nigeria in February 2011. With the help of IOM Lagos, he prepared a business plan for a provision and cosmetic shop in Awka. He also planned to use part of the granted amount for housing. After acceptance by the FOM in May, he registered his activity with the respective authority and received the project assistance in three installments. Despite the fact, that his income was not regular yet, he was able to support two persons. In July 2011, Mr. N. took part in the business training workshop organized by IOM and SMEDAN in Benin City. He declared that this training was a great opportunity to develop his knowledge in business management.

Liquor Store in Awka Duration of the project: 5 months

In the framework of the return counseling in Switzerland, Mr. O. already prepared his business plan for a liquor store in Awka. Upon return to Nigeria in February 2011, he immediately finalized his business plan, which was accepted by FOM. After the business set-up was completed, he informed IOM Lagos that he is very grateful and satisfied with his current situation. Mr. O. highly appreciated the business training workshop and declared this experience being really rewarding in developing a “business sense” and helpful for his own project. That is why he thinks about enlarging it, or starting a new education.

Cosmetic and Provision Wholesale in Lagos Duration of the project implementation: 6 months

Before returning to Nigeria in August 2011, Mr. E. had already planned to start a transportation business in Port Harcourt. Upon arrival, he realised that this business would not be profitable. He thus chose to set-up a cosmetic and provision wholesale and use part of the grant for housing. He decided to stay in Lagos where he registered his business officially in September 2011. Because of some medical problems, he also received medical help for the purchase of medicaments. As IOM Lagos visited Mr. E.’s business, he declared himself really satisfied with his current situation. His business is working well and he is happy to have an apartment of his own.

Assisted Voluntary Return to Nigeria: Short Return Stories

Hairdressing salon in Lagos Duration of project implementation: 6 months

Upon her return in November 2011, Ms. M. decided to open a hairdressing salon in Lagos, as she already had some experience in this activity. The implementation of the business project went on very fast and 6 months later IOM Lagos staff visited her in her newly set-up hairdressing salon. She declared that she was very happy with her current situation, even if some economic conditions were not always easy to deal with. Her business is operational and generates an income which allows her to support three family members.

Clothes Shop in Owerri Duration of project implementation: 5 months

Mr. A. returned to Nigeria in November 2011. With the help of his return counsellor in Switzerland, he had already planned his professional reintegration project. He intended to open a clothes shop in Owerri. Upon his return, he finalized a comprehensive business plan with IOM. Mr. A. is very happy with his current situation because the income gives him financial stability that allows him to support two family members. His plans for the future are to extend his business or to open a second boutique.

Concierge and Environmental Cleaning Services in Abuja Duration of project implementation: 2 months

Mr. E. returned to Nigeria in January 2011. He has started a business as facility manager and environmental cleaning services in Abuja. He is very satisfied about the business training he received as part of the reintegration assistance: “(It provided me with an) awareness on financial management and on the need to think big and start little.” Although the market is competitive, Mr. E.’s business is running well and he has four employees. He plans to expand his business in the future.

Assisted Voluntary Return to Nigeria: Short Return Stories

Sale of Cosmetics in Agbor Duration of project implementation: 6 months

Mr. A. returned to Nigeria in April 2012. As already discussed with his return counsellor in Switzerland, he started a shop for cosmetic products in Agbor. Soon after his return, he participated in the business training. He highly appreciated it because he learned about the importance of keeping good record of his business. Mr. A. is a very active business man: With the support of friends, he has opened a second shop for the sale of baking ingredients. With his income he can support several members of his family. He is happy with his current situation and says that IOM has helped him to start a new life.

Provisions in Port Harcourt Duration of project implementation: 4 months

After his return to Nigeria in February 2012, Mr. A. opened a provisions shop in Port Harcourt. He had already worked in this area before, nevertheless he appreciated the new skills acquired in the business training offered by IOM and SMEDAN: “I will not be selling my goods on credit and minimize the way that I am spending my money”, he said. Despite of some issues related to security in the beginning, his business is going well now. Mr. A. could hire one employee and he is able support two persons with his income.

Sale of Building Materials in Lagos Duration of project implementation: 4 months

Mr. E. returned to Nigeria in July 2012. As he used to sell building materials before he left Nigeria and still had a shop, he wanted to continue his previous business activity. He invested the reintegration assistance in buying new stock of goods and used part of the assistance for housing. He is very satisfied about the received assistance and has nicely arranged his goods. In the business training, he learned about book keeping and customer care. Mr. E. has a regular income from his business now and can support a member of the family.

Assisted Voluntary Return to Nigeria: Short Return Stories