The Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant stakeholders, has received the first batch of 270 Nigerian returnees from South Africa under the ongoing voluntary return programme.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Mohammed Olatunde, Head of Operations, NEMA Lagos Operations Ofdice and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.
Olatunde said the returnees, who had earlier registered for the exercise and completed the necessary screening processes, arrived on Thursday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
He said that oficials of NEMA, alongside other government agencies and critical stakeholders, were on ground to receive the returnees and facilitate their reintegration process.
He said that as part of arrangements made by the Federal Government, transportation was provided to convey the returnees to their various destinations across the country.
NEMA said ambulance services and other emergency medical support were also made available for individuals requiring immediate medical attention.
Olatunde reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to its mandate of providing humanitarian support and ensuring the safe reception of Nigerians who voluntarily choose to return home from abroad.
NEMA noted that the voluntary return programme remains an ongoing Federal Government initiative aimed at ensuring the safe, orderly and dignified return of Nigerian citizens.
The agency added that it would continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to support the welfare and reintegration of the returnees.
