Sixty-six Nigerians evacuated from South Africa have arrived in Lagos as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing effort to bring home citizens affected by recent tensions and security concerns in the country.
The returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Wednesday night and were received by officials of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service and other government agencies.
NiDCOM said the evacuation was approved by President Bola Tinubu and reflects the government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians living abroad.
The latest group follows an earlier batch of 258 evacuees who returned on June 11 aboard a chartered Air Peace flight.
According to the commission, the second evacuation flight was facilitated by ValueJet Chairman Kunle Soname, while officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa accompanied the returnees to Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of NiDCOM Chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Dipo Onabowale praised President Tinubu for what he described as a swift and people-focused response to the situation.
He said the Federal Government was addressing logistical challenges encountered during the first phase of the evacuation and assured that all registered Nigerians seeking to return home would be evacuated.
“The minister of foreign affairs has assured that all registered Nigerians will be evacuated,” Onabowale said.
To support their reintegration, the returnees received financial and welfare assistance from government agencies, private organizations and individuals.
NiDCOM said Imo State indigenes among the returnees received N1 million each from Governor Hope Uzodinma. MTN Nigeria provided SIM cards, data packages and cash support, while Harvesters International Christian Centre donated N100,000 to each returnee.
The evacuees expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, NiDCOM and other agencies involved in the operation.
They described the evacuation and support packages as evidence of the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad.
Authorities said arrangements remain in place for the return of additional Nigerians who have indicated a willingness to leave South Africa.
Comments
Add a comment