1,174 Nigerians Repatriated from South Africa as Federal Government Expands Reintegration Support

Sixth Evacuation Exercise Brings Repatriation Programme to Completion

NIGERIA has completed another phase of its ongoing evacuation programme for citizens stranded in South Africa, with the arrival of the sixth and final batch of returnees at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The latest group of 40 Nigerians arrived aboard a chartered flight on Friday night, bringing the total number of returnees under the sixth evacuation exercise to 1,174, according to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

The arrivals marked the conclusion of a multi-flight operation that transported hundreds of stranded Nigerians back home through coordinated efforts involving government agencies, airlines, state governments and humanitarian organisations.

Multi-Agency Collaboration Facilitates Safe Return

NiDCOM disclosed that the repatriation exercise was executed through multiple commercial and chartered flights operated by Air Peace, ValueJet and a special charter service.

Air Peace transported returnees in four separate flights carrying 258, 266, 262 and 282 passengers respectively, while ValueJet conveyed 66 Nigerians before the final chartered aircraft brought home the remaining 40 evacuees.

Officials described the exercise as one of the largest coordinated humanitarian return operations involving Nigerian citizens stranded abroad in recent years.

Government agencies including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and security agencies worked together to receive, document and process the returnees upon arrival.

Returnees Express Gratitude for Swift Government Intervention

The returnees commended President Bola Tinubu for approving their evacuation and facilitating their safe return to Nigeria.

They also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander-Ajayi; and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, whose officials coordinated reception and reintegration efforts at the airport.

Many described the evacuation as a significant relief after enduring prolonged uncertainty and hardship abroad.

Financial Relief and Reintegration Packages Announced

The returnees also benefited from various financial assistance and reintegration initiatives provided by federal agencies, state governments, religious organisations and private-sector partners.

NiDCOM announced that returnees from Imo State received ₦1 million each through the intervention of Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Telecommunications company MTN also donated free SIM starter packs containing data valued at ₦50,000, alongside ₦100,000 cash support to be credited into each returnee’s bank account.

Similarly, officials representing Edo and Delta State governments announced separate welfare packages aimed at supporting citizens returning to their respective states.

Private Organisations Join Reintegration Efforts

Several private organisations and faith-based institutions also pledged long-term support for the returnees.

The JAAL Foundation committed to providing empowerment opportunities for 50 female returnees to assist their economic reintegration.

Omega Power Ministries Worldwide, led by its General Overseer, Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, was commended for providing temporary accommodation for approximately 52 returnees, alongside vocational training opportunities and educational support for their children up to university level.

Harvesters Church, through its Senior Pastor, Bolaji Idowu, donated ₦100,000 each to 66 returnees, while real estate company Cruxstone was acknowledged for earlier financial assistance extended to previous batches of evacuees.

Focus Shifts from Evacuation to Reintegration

The conclusion of the evacuation exercise now places renewed attention on the long-term reintegration of returning Nigerians into the country’s economic and social systems.

Experts note that successful repatriation extends beyond transportation, requiring coordinated access to employment, entrepreneurship support, vocational training, psychological counselling and social welfare programmes.

The collaboration between government institutions, state authorities, religious organisations and private-sector partners demonstrates an increasingly comprehensive approach to assisting vulnerable Nigerians returning from difficult circumstances abroad.