No fewer than 40 stranded Nigerians evacuated from South Africa have arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos State, completing the sixth batch of the Federal Government’s repatriation exercise.
The latest arrival brings the total number of Nigerians returned under the ongoing evacuation programme to 1,174.
The returnees arrived on Friday night aboard a chartered Air Peace flight, marking the conclusion of the sixth phase of the exercise coordinated by the Federal Government.
The evacuation was initiated to assist Nigerians who had become stranded in South Africa and required support to return home.
Sixth batch completes evacuation exercise
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the final group of 40 Nigerians joined earlier batches that had already been brought back through different flights.
The statement explained that previous flights transported 258, 266, 262, 282 and 66 Nigerians through Air Peace and ValueJet before the final chartered flight conveyed the remaining 40 returnees.
“The returnees came through Air Peace in four different flights of 258, 266, 262, 282, Value Jet 66 and the sixth batch came in a chartered flight with 40 Nigerians,” the statement said.
The completion of the exercise marked another stage in the Federal Government’s efforts to provide assistance to Nigerians abroad facing difficult circumstances.
Returnees appreciate government support
The evacuated Nigerians expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the programme and facilitating their return from South Africa.
They also commended the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Acting Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander-Ajayi; and the NiDCOM Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for their roles in ensuring the success of the evacuation.
NiDCOM officials received the returnees at the Lagos airport, where they were documented and provided with immediate support.
The commission stated that the returnees expressed gratitude for the assistance, donations and warm reception they received after arriving in Nigeria.
Financial assistance and empowerment packages announced
The returnees were also informed about various support packages provided by government officials, private organisations and individuals.
According to NiDCOM, returnees from Imo State received ₦1 million each through the state governor, Hope Uzodimma, as part of efforts to help them restart their lives.
Telecommunications company MTN also provided free SIM cards with data valued at ₦50,000 and pledged to pay ₦100,000 into the bank accounts of all returnees.
The Edo and Delta State governments were also said to have announced assistance packages for their citizens among the evacuees.
The JAAL Foundation pledged empowerment support for 50 female returnees, while the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries Worldwide, Apostle Dr Chibuzor Gift Chinwe, was recognised for providing accommodation for about 52 returnees.
The religious organisation also offered skills acquisition opportunities for families and free education for the children of some returnees up to university level.
More organisations support returning Nigerians
Other individuals and organisations also contributed to supporting the returnees.
The commission highlighted the donation of ₦100,000 each to 66 returnees by Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters Church.
Cruxstone, a real estate company, was also commended for providing financial support to the first set of evacuees who returned during the exercise.
NiDCOM noted that the combined support from government agencies, private organisations and individuals would assist the returnees as they settle back into the country.
Agencies involved in receiving returnees
Officials from several government agencies were present at the airport to receive and document the returnees.
The agencies included the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Nigerian Immigration Service, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, National Identity Management Commission and other security agencies.
NiDCOM said the agencies worked together to ensure proper documentation and a smooth reception process.
The commission added that the returnees were grateful for the support provided throughout the evacuation process and the assistance offered upon their arrival.
The Federal Government’s evacuation programme is part of ongoing efforts to assist Nigerians abroad who require humanitarian support and safe return arrangements.