Second Wave of Nigerian Evacuees Returns from South Africa as Repatriation Effort Intensifies

A fresh wave of relief swept through Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday night as 66 Nigerian evacuees arrived from South Africa, marking the second phase of a government-backed repatriation operation aimed at bringing stranded citizens home safely.

The returnees, accompanied by officials from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, touched down at approximately 8:50 PM on Wednesday, 24 June, according to a statement released on Thursday by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

The evacuation exercise, approved by President Bola Tinubu, underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad, NiDCOM said.

The first batch of 258 returnees had already arrived on 11 June via a chartered Air Peace flight. The latest group was facilitated by Otunba Kunle Soname, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Value Jet, who provided logistical support for the operation.

Gratitude and Support

Upon arrival, the evacuees expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his swift intervention, as well as to Otunba Soname for his consistent humanitarian backing. They also thanked Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Temitope (Alexander) Ajayi, NiDCOM Chairman Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and various 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), and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

Speaking on behalf of the NiDCOM Chairman, Dipo Onabowale commended President Tinubu for his citizen-centred leadership, noting that logistical challenges encountered after the first evacuation are being proactively addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who has assured that all registered Nigerians will be evacuated.

Welcome Packages and Reintegration

As part of a reintegration plan, NiDCOM announced welcome packages for the returnees. Imo State indigenes received N1,000,000 each, courtesy of Governor Hope Uzodinma. MTN Nigeria provided free SIM packs with data worth N50,000, along with N100,000 credited to each returnee’s bank account. Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre also donated ₦100,000 to every returnee.

Government agencies, including NEMA, the Refugee Commission, NIS, and FAAN, were on hand to document and assist the arrivals, providing immediate support alongside security operatives.

The returnees described the warm reception and comprehensive assistance as a clear testament to President Tinubu’s dedication to the welfare of Nigerians wherever they may be.