PCI Male Shelter: Restoring Hope, Dignity and New Beginnings in 2025
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
At Patriotic Citizen Initiatives (PCI), we believe that every individual deserves safety, dignity and a second chance. Throughout 2025, our PCI Male Shelter continued to serve as a safe haven for stranded migrants, returned migrants and vulnerable male survivors, providing holistic protection, psychosocial care and sustainable reintegration support.
Located in Lagos State, the shelter operates as part of PCI's commitment to promoting safe migration, protecting human dignity and supporting vulnerable populations through comprehensive humanitarian and development interventions. During the reporting period, the shelter received and supported over 20 male beneficiaries, including returned migrants, stranded migrants and victims of trafficking from Nigeria and several West African countries. Many had experienced exploitation, detention, failed migration journeys and severe psychosocial distress before arriving at the shelter.
A significant number of beneficiaries were referred through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as part of voluntary return and reintegration programmes, while others were identified through community referrals and partner networks. Each beneficiary received individualized support tailored to their specific needs following comprehensive vulnerability assessments.
Our intervention goes beyond providing temporary accommodation. Every resident benefits from structured psychosocial counselling aimed at addressing trauma, anxiety and emotional distress associated with difficult migration experiences. Individual and group counselling sessions help beneficiaries rebuild confidence, strengthen resilience and prepare for successful reintegration into society.
Complementing these services, PCI provides mentoring and life guidance that encourages responsible decision-making, lawful livelihoods and long-term personal development. Through continuous coaching and positive engagement, beneficiaries are empowered to regain hope and pursue productive futures.
A key highlight of the 2025 programme was the expansion of practical livelihood support through our Fish Pond Initiative. Beneficiaries received hands-on training in fish farming, pond management, harvesting and fish processing, equipping them with practical skills for self-employment and sustainable income generation. During the year, beneficiaries successfully harvested and processed over 1,000 fish, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining vocational skills with real-life enterprise experience. Beyond technical knowledge, the initiative fostered teamwork, discipline and entrepreneurial thinking that will continue to benefit participants long after leaving the shelter.
Residents also received comprehensive welfare support, including safe accommodation, basic care and structured daily routines that promoted stability, protection and overall well-being throughout their stay.
Working closely with IOM, PCI also facilitated the safe and dignified voluntary return of stranded non-Nigerian migrants. Through counselling, preparedness sessions and coordinated case management, beneficiaries were successfully reunited with their families and communities in accordance with international protection standards.
The impact of the programme was significant. Beneficiaries demonstrated improved psychosocial well-being, stronger resilience, increased awareness of safe migration realities and enhanced livelihood skills that support long-term reintegration. In 2025, six non-Nigerian beneficiaries were successfully assisted to return safely to their countries of origin, while four beneficiaries achieved sustainable local reintegration through the livelihood skills acquired at the shelter.
These achievements were made possible through strong collaboration with IOM and other stakeholders, whose partnership strengthened referral pathways, protection mechanisms and reintegration support. PCI remains committed to expanding these partnerships to improve services for migrants and other vulnerable populations.
As we reflect on the successes of 2025, PCI reaffirms its commitment to providing comprehensive protection, restoring dignity and creating sustainable pathways for reintegration. Through compassionate care, practical skills development and strategic partnerships, we continue to transform lives—one beneficiary at a time.
