Eighty-three Nigerians have returned home from South Africa, with private individuals funding their air tickets as concerns over the safety of Nigerians in the country persist.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a South African Airways flight from Johannesburg.
Two officials from the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg accompanied the returnees.
The ministry said the latest repatriation was made possible through the intervention of “good-spirited private individuals” who procured the flight tickets to facilitate their safe return.
The returnees were received at the airport by the Director of the African Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Haruna Ali-Gombe, who welcomed them on behalf of the Federal Government.
They were subsequently handed over to relevant government agencies for documentation and profiling before being reunited with their families.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, the private sponsors and all government agencies involved in receiving and reintegrating the returnees.
“The Federal Government remains committed to the welfare and safe return of all Nigerian citizens abroad,” the ministry said.
The latest return brings renewed attention to the situation of Nigerians in South Africa following a broader voluntary repatriation exercise that previously brought home about 1,490 Nigerians amid concerns over xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments. ([The Eagle Online][1])
The ministry has also called for continued support for Nigerians returning from difficult circumstances abroad, stressing the importance of cooperation between the Federal Government, state governments and private citizens.
The development highlights the growing role of private support in responding to consular emergencies involving Nigerians abroad.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the government appreciated those who contributed to ensuring the returnees reached Nigeria safely.
