A second group of 66 Nigerians stranded in South Africa has arrived in Lagos under a Federal Government-backed repatriation programme, landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Wednesday night. This follows an earlier evacuation of 258 Nigerians earlier this month, bringing the total number of returnees to 324.
Government and Corporate Support for Returnees
The evacuation was authorised by President Bola Tinubu and facilitated by Value Jet Chairman Otunba Kunle Soname. Representatives of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa accompanied the returnees on the flight. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) stated that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the welfare and safety of citizens abroad. According to NIDCOM, all registered Nigerians seeking evacuation will be returned, with efforts continuing to address logistical challenges encountered during earlier operations.
Speaking on behalf of NIDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Dipo Onabowale commended President Tinubu for authorising the exercise. He added that challenges encountered during the first evacuation operation were already being addressed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Onabowale said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had assured that all Nigerians who registered for evacuation would be accommodated in subsequent arrangements.
Financial and Material Assistance Provided
Several organisations and individuals provided assistance to help the returnees settle back into the country. Imo State indigenes among the returnees received ₦1 million each through the support of Governor Hope Uzodinma. Telecommunications company MTN Nigeria distributed SIM packs containing data valued at ₦50,000 and also credited ₦100,000 into the bank accounts of each returnee. Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre donated ₦100,000 to each of the evacuees.
Officials from the National Emergency Management Agency, the National Commission for Refugees, Migration and Internally Displaced Persons, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Immigration Service were present to receive and document the returnees. The evacuees expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Nigerian diplomatic mission in South Africa, NIDCOM and other stakeholders involved in the operation. They also thanked donors and government agencies for the financial assistance and reception provided upon arrival. Many of the returnees described the support package as timely and welcomed the government's efforts to facilitate their safe return to Nigeria.
Background and Advisory
Earlier, Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in South Africa had cautioned its nationals following unrest in the Eastern Cape province. The advisory followed protests over a disputed traditional ceremony, following reports of a coronation involving the Igbo community in the region.
