The latest group of 40 Nigerians returns from South Africa

No fewer than 40 stranded Nigerians evacuated from South Africa have arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos State, completing the sixth phase of the Federal Government’s repatriation exercise.

This latest arrival brings the total number of Nigerians repatriated under the ongoing evacuation program to 1,174.

The returnees arrived on Friday evening aboard an Air Peace chartered flight, marking the conclusion of the sixth phase of the federal government-coordinated exercise.

The evacuation was initiated to assist Nigerians who were stranded in South Africa and needed support to return home.

The sixth batch completes the evacuation exercise

According to a statement released on Saturday by the Director of the Media, Public Relations and Protocols Commission of Nigerians in the Diaspora (NiDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the latest group of 40 Nigerians joined the previous groups who had already been brought back on several flights.

The statement explained that previous flights had transported 258, 266, 262, 282 and 66 Nigerians through Air Peace and ValueJet before the latest charter flight transported the remaining 40 returnees.

“The returnees arrived via Air Peace in four different flights 258, 266, 262, 282, Value Jet 66 and the sixth group arrived on a charter flight with 40 Nigerians,” the statement read.

The completion of the exercise marked another milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to provide assistance to Nigerians abroad facing difficult circumstances.

The returnees appreciate the government’s support

The evacuated Nigerians expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the program and facilitating their return from South Africa.

They also praised the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Acting Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander-Ajayi; and NiDCOM President/Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for their roles in ensuring the success of the evacuation.

NiDCOM officials received the returnees at Lagos Airport, where they were documented and given immediate support.

The commission said the returnees expressed gratitude for the assistance, donations and warm welcome they received after arriving in Nigeria.

Financial assistance and empowerment packages announced

The returnees were also informed about various support packages provided by government officials, private organizations and individuals.

According to NiDCOM, returnees from Imo State have received ₦1 million each through the state governor, Hope Uzodimma, as part of efforts to help them restart their lives.

Telecom firm MTN also provided free SIM cards with data worth ₦50,000 and pledged to deposit ₦100,000 into the bank accounts of all returnees.

The Edo and Delta state governments are also said to have announced relief packages for their citizens among the displaced.

The JAAL Foundation pledged to support the empowerment of 50 female returnees, while the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries Worldwide, Apostle Dr. Chibuzor Gift Chinwe, was recognized for providing accommodation to some 52 returnees.

The religious organization also provided skills acquisition opportunities for families and free education up to university level for the children of some returnees.

More and more organizations support the return of Nigerians

Other individuals and organizations also helped support the returnees.

The commission highlighted the donation of ₦100,000 each to 66 returnees by Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters Church.

Cruxstone, a real estate company, was also praised for providing financial support to the first group of evacuees who returned during the exercise.

NiDCOM noted that combined support from government agencies, private organizations and individuals would help the returnees as they settle in the country.

Agencies involved in the reception of returnees

Officials from several government agencies were present at the airport to receive and document the returnees.

The agencies included the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigeria Federal Airports Authority, the National Identity Management Commission and other security agencies.

NiDCOM said the agencies worked together to ensure proper documentation and a smooth reception process.

The commission added that the returnees were grateful for the support provided throughout the evacuation process and for the assistance offered upon their arrival.

The Federal Government’s evacuation program is part of ongoing efforts to assist Nigerians abroad in need of humanitarian support and arrangements for safe return.