Another 266 stranded Nigerians returned from South Africa on Friday, bringing the total number of evacuees to 852 as the Federal Government stepped up efforts to bring citizens home safely.
The fourth batch of returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday aboard Air Peace.
Two officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa accompanied them.
The evacuation followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to ensure the safe and dignified return of willing Nigerians facing hardship in South Africa.
Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) officials announced a ₦1 million grant for each returnee from Imo State on behalf of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
MTN Nigeria donated free SIM packs with data worth ₦50,000 to every returnee.
The company also pledged to pay an additional ₦100,000 into each returnee’s bank account.
Officials from Edo and Delta states also announced support packages for their indigenes.
The JAAL Foundation pledged empowerment support for 100 female returnees to help them rebuild their lives.
Speaking through NiDCOM representative Mr Dipo Odebowale, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa urged other state governments and corporate organisations to support returning Nigerians.
She praised ValueJet Airline for flying 66 Nigerians home free of charge. She also acknowledged Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Christ Church, who donated ₦100,000 each to the 66 returnees who arrived on June 22.
Similarly, Cruxstone, a real estate firm, gave financial support to the first batch of evacuees.
The returnees thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the evacuation. They also appreciated Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander-Ajayi, and NiDCOM for coordinating their return and reintegration.
Officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and other security agencies received, documented and assisted the returnees.
The returnees also thanked the Federal Government, state governments, corporate organisations and partner agencies for the warm reception and support.
NiDCOM commended all partners for helping Nigerians in distress return home safely and rebuild their lives.
External Links
Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM): https://nidcom.gov.ng
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA): https://nema.gov.ng
Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN): https://faan.gov.ng
