Another batch of 66 stranded Nigerians evacuated from South Africa are in Lagos, bringing the total number of returnees repatriated to Nigeria to 324.
The latest batch touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday night following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the immediate evacuation of Nigerians facing difficulties in South Africa.
According to a statement issued by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the first batch of 258 returnees arrived in the country on June 11, 2026, while the second evacuation exercise was facilitated by businessman and Chairman of ValueJet Airline, Otunba Kunle Soname.
The returnees, who were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Embassy in South Africa, expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for authorising their evacuation and ensuring their safe return home.
They also commended Soname for his humanitarian gesture in making the airlift possible, as well as the Nigerian Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander-Ajayi, for his support throughout the evacuation process.
The returnees further showered praises on the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for her unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora.
Officials of the commission were on hand to receive the returnees and also announced financial support packages for them.
Receiving the evacuees on behalf of NiDCOM Chairman, Mr. Dipo Odebowale, alongside other government officials, commended President Tinubu for facilitating the successful operation and ensuring the safe return of the stranded citizens.
He disclosed that the logistical challenges encountered after the first evacuation exercise were being actively addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, who has assured that all Nigerians registered for evacuation from South Africa would eventually be brought back home.
The returnees were also beneficiaries of several support packages aimed at helping them reintegrate into society.
Those from Imo state, courtesy of Governor Hope Uzodinma, received a cash donation of N1 million naira each.
Telecommunications giant, MTN, also donated free SIM packs loaded with data worth N50,000 and promised an additional N100,000 to be paid into the bank accounts of each returnee.
Similarly, the founder of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, donated N100,000 to every returnee to assist them in settling back into life in Nigeria.
Several government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and other security agencies, were present at the airport to ensure proper documentation and reception of the evacuees.
The returnees expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception and financial support extended to them, describing the gestures as a significant boost as they begin a new chapter back home.
The latest evacuation underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to the protection and welfare of Nigerians abroad and highlights the growing collaboration between government institutions, private sector stakeholders and humanitarian organisations in responding to the plight of distressed citizens overseas.