40 More Nigerians Evacuated from South Africa as Sixth Batch of Returnees Reaches 1,174

The Federal Government has completed the sixth phase of its evacuation exercise for stranded Nigerians in South Africa, with another 40 citizens arriving in Lagos, bringing the total number of returnees under the sixth batch to 1,174.

The latest group arrived on Friday night aboard a chartered flight and was received at the airport by officials of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) alongside other relevant government agencies.

According to NiDCOM, the sixth batch of evacuees returned to Nigeria through multiple flights operated by Air Peace, ValueJet and a chartered aircraft. Air Peace transported 258, 266, 262 and 282 returnees on four separate flights, while ValueJet evacuated 66 Nigerians before the final group of 40 arrived on the chartered flight.

The returnees expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving their evacuation from South Africa and thanked all individuals and organisations that contributed to the exercise.

They also commended the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander-Ajayi; and NiDCOM Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, whose officials coordinated their reception on arrival.

Several state governments and private organisations announced financial assistance and reintegration support for the returnees.

The Imo State Government, through Governor Hope Uzodimma, provided ₦1 million to each returnee from the state.

Telecommunications company MTN Nigeria donated free SIM packs loaded with data valued at ₦50,000 and also pledged ₦100,000 to each returnee through their bank accounts.

Officials of the Edo and Delta state governments also announced support packages for their respective indigenes, although details of the incentives were not disclosed.

The JAAL Foundation pledged empowerment support for 50 female returnees to assist them with their reintegration and economic recovery.

The returnees also acknowledged the intervention of Apostle Dr. Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries Worldwide, for providing free accommodation to about 52 returnees as well as skills acquisition opportunities for families and educational support for their children up to university level.

They equally expressed gratitude to Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters Church, who donated ₦100,000 each to 66 returnees.

Real estate company Cruxstone was also appreciated for providing financial assistance to an earlier group of evacuees.

Several federal agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and security agencies, were present at the airport to receive, document and profile the returnees.

The evacuees expressed gratitude for the warm reception and the support provided by the Federal Government, state governments, private organisations and humanitarian groups, describing the assistance as a significant boost as they begin rebuilding their lives in Nigeria.