A total of 40 stranded Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks have arrived in Lagos, marking the sixth batch of returnees repatriated under the Nigerian government’s emergency evacuation plan. The returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Friday, where they were warmly received by officials from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, and various government agencies. President Bola Tinubu’s swift approval of the evacuation was widely praised by the returnees, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the government’s intervention during a time of crisis.
The arrival was officially announced by NiDCOM through a post on X, highlighting the coordinated effort between federal and state authorities to ensure the safe return and reintegration of Nigerians affected by the violence. Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Alexander-Ajayi, and NiDCOM’s chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, were present to welcome the returnees. Government agencies including NEMA, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Nigeria Immigration Service, FAAN, and security operatives were also on hand to assist with documentation and logistics.
In a show of national solidarity, NiDCOM unveiled financial and social support packages for the returnees. Those from Imo State received ₦1 million each, generously funded by Governor Hope Uzodimma. MTN contributed by providing free SIM packs with data worth ₦50,000 and depositing ₦100,000 into each returnee’s bank account. The Edo and Delta state governments also announced support initiatives for returnees from their states, demonstrating a nationwide commitment to their welfare.
Private sector and civil society organizations further stepped in to support the returnees. The JAAL Foundation pledged empowerment programs for 50 female returnees, while the general overseer of Omega Power Ministries Worldwide, Chibuzor Chinyere, offered free accommodation to 52 returnees. He also promised skills acquisition training for their families and free education for their children up to university level. Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters Church donated ₦100,000 each to 66 returnees, and real estate firm Cruxstone provided cash assistance to the first batch of evacuees.
The coordinated response underscores Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and ensuring their safe return and reintegration. As more Nigerians continue to be evacuated, the government and its partners remain focused on providing both immediate relief and long-term support. This ongoing effort reflects a growing national resolve to address the challenges of xenophobia while reinforcing the importance of diaspora engagement and protection.
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