Second Batch of Evacuated Nigerians Arrives Lagos From South Africa

Another batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has arrived in Lagos as the Federal Government continues efforts to repatriate citizens who registered for return under an ongoing evacuation programme.

The 66 returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at approximately 8:50 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

Their arrival marks the second phase of the evacuation exercise approved by President Bola Tinubu, which government officials say is aimed at ensuring the safety and welfare of Nigerians living abroad.

The latest group follows the first batch of 258 returnees, who arrived in Nigeria on June 11 aboard a chartered Air Peace flight.

According to NiDCOM, the second evacuation flight was facilitated by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ValueJet, Otunba Kunle Soname, while officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa accompanied the returnees throughout the journey.

NiDCOM described the evacuation initiative as part of the Federal Government's commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens regardless of where they reside.

Upon arrival, the returnees were received by officials from several government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and security personnel.

The agencies coordinated documentation procedures and provided immediate assistance to the returnees as part of ongoing reintegration efforts.

Speaking on behalf of NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Dipo Onabowale commended President Tinubu for approving the evacuation exercise and prioritising the welfare of Nigerians abroad.

He also noted that logistical challenges encountered during the first phase of the operation are being addressed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to Onabowale, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has assured that all registered Nigerians seeking evacuation from South Africa will be brought home.

As part of efforts to ease their reintegration, the returnees received various forms of support from government agencies, corporate organisations and private individuals.

NiDCOM disclosed that Imo State indigenes among the returnees were granted ₦1 million each through a support package approved by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Telecommunications company MTN Nigeria also provided free SIM packs containing data valued at ₦50,000 and credited ₦100,000 into the bank account of each returnee.

In addition, Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre donated ₦100,000 to each member of the group.

The returnees expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, NiDCOM and other government agencies involved in the evacuation process.

They also thanked the organisations and individuals who contributed to their reception and reintegration support, describing the assistance as timely and reassuring.

Government officials indicated that the evacuation programme remains ongoing, with plans to facilitate the return of additional registered Nigerians from South Africa.

The latest arrivals bring the total number of evacuees under the programme to 324, following the earlier return of 258 Nigerians earlier this month.

Authorities say efforts are focused not only on bringing citizens home safely but also on providing the necessary support to help them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

The Federal Government has maintained that the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad remain a key priority as it continues to monitor developments affecting citizens in different parts of the world.