Another group of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has arrived in Lagos as the Federal Government continues its emergency repatriation programme for citizens affected by renewed xenophobic attacks in the country.
The latest batch, comprising 66 returnees, landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday night, marking the second phase of the evacuation exercise approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to assist Nigerians who chose to return home following growing concerns over attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
The arrival of the 66 returnees follows an earlier evacuation exercise that brought back 258 Nigerians on June 11 through a chartered flight operated by Air Peace. Confirming the development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the latest group represents the second batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa under the government-backed initiative.
Authorities have maintained that arrangements remain in place to ensure that all registered Nigerians willing to return are safely brought back to the country.
Officials disclosed that the evacuation flight was facilitated by Kunle Soname, chairman and chief executive officer of ValueJet, while personnel from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa accompanied the evacuees throughout the journey.
Speaking on behalf of Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the head of the Lagos office of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dipo Onabowale, praised President Tinubu for approving the evacuation programme.
He also noted that challenges encountered during the first phase were being addressed through coordination between relevant government agencies. According to officials, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has assured that all registered Nigerians who wish to return from South Africa will be accommodated in the evacuation process.
As part of reintegration support, NiDCOM announced several relief packages for the returnees. The commission said indigenes of Imo State among those evacuated would receive ₦1 million each from Governor Hope Uzodimma.
In addition, MTN Nigeria provided free SIM cards and ₦50,000 worth of data packages, while ₦100,000 was deposited into the bank account of each returnee. Founder of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Bolaji Idowu, also donated ₦100,000 to each evacuee.
The Nigerians evacuated from South Africa expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and government agencies involved in the operation for facilitating their safe return.
They also acknowledged the contributions of Kunle Soname, acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa Temitope Ajayi, NiDCOM leadership, and other stakeholders who supported the evacuation exercise.
Officials from the National Emergency Management Agency, the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and other security agencies were present at the airport to receive, document, and assist the returnees.
The latest arrivals bring the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa under the current exercise to 324, with additional evacuations expected as the government continues efforts to bring home all willing citizens.
