Another batch of 66 stranded Nigerians has arrived in Lagos from South Africa, following the Federal Government’s ongoing evacuation exercise approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Wednesday night, bringing the total number of evacuated Nigerians from South Africa to 324. The first batch of 258 evacuees arrived on June 11.
According to a statement by the Head of Media and Public Relations of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the latest evacuation was facilitated by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ValueJet Airline, Otunba Kunle Soname. The returnees were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Embassy in South Africa.
The evacuees expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving their evacuation and thanked Soname for providing transportation support. They also commended Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander-Ajayi, and NiDCOM Chairman, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for their roles in ensuring their safe return.
Representing the NiDCOM Chairman at the reception ceremony, Mr Dipo Odebowale praised the Federal Government for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians abroad. He said efforts were ongoing to resolve logistical challenges encountered during the evacuation process and assured that all registered Nigerians awaiting evacuation would be brought home.
The returnees received various forms of support upon arrival. The Imo State Government provided N1 million each to returnees from the state, while MTN distributed free SIM packs with data and pledged financial support to all evacuees. Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters Church also donated N100,000 to each returnee.
Officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Immigration Service, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, as well as security agencies, were present to receive and document the returnees.
The evacuees expressed gratitude for the warm reception and support received on their return to Nigeria as government agencies continue efforts to assist their reintegration.
