By Omoyeni Ojeifo
Privately funded repatriation brought 83 Nigerians home to Lagos following the end of the Federal Government’s voluntary return initiative.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a South African Airways flight from Johannesburg at about 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, after departing O.R. Tambo International Airport at 3:35 p.m. local time.
They were accompanied by two officials of the Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg, according to a statement emailed to PerSecondNews by the Ministry of foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa Imomotimi on Wednesday.
The returnees were received by the Director, African Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Haruna Ali-Gombe, who welcomed them on behalf of the Federal Government.
They were thereafter handed over to relevant government agencies for necessary documentation and profiling ahead of their reunification with their families.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the repatriation was facilitated through the procurement of flight tickets by public-spirited private individuals whose support enabled the Nigerians to return safely.
“The Ministry expresses profound appreciation to the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, the private individuals who sponsored the exercise, and all agencies involved in ensuring a smooth reception and reintegration process,” it said.
The Ministry also expressed profound appreciation to the private individuals who sponsored the exercise, acknowledging their support in making the return of the 83 Nigerians possible.
It commended the Nigerian Mission in South Africa and all government agencies involved in ensuring a smooth reception and reintegration process for the returnees.
The government reiterated its commitment to the welfare and safe return of all Nigerian citizens abroad, while continuing to support their reintegration after returning to the country.
Persecondnews recalls that the Federal Government concluded its voluntary repatriation programme on July 16, 2026, after nearly 1,490 Nigerians were brought home from South Africa amid rising Afrophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments.
On August 17, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the planned return of another 83 Nigerians, whose flight tickets were sponsored by public-