The Federal Government has continued its evacuation of Nigerians stranded in South Africa following renewed anti-immigrant attacks, with another group of 66 returnees arriving safely in Lagos.
The latest batch landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) on Wednesday night as part of an ongoing evacuation programme approved by President Bola Tinubu to protect Nigerians facing growing hostility in South Africa.
According to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the returnees were brought home through the support of ValueJet Chairman, Otunba Kunle Soname, and were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa.
“The evacuation reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians living abroad,” NiDCOM said.
On arrival, many of the returnees expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the Nigerian government, and the various agencies and individuals who made the evacuation possible.
As part of efforts to help them restart their lives, Imo State indigenes among the returnees received ₦1 million each from Governor Hope Uzodinma, while MTN Nigeria provided free SIM cards with data and credited ₦100,000 to each returnee.
Pastor Bolaji Idowu also donated ₦100,000 to every returnee as part of the reintegration support package.
The evacuation follows a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests in parts of South Africa, forcing many foreign nationals to seek assistance to return home.
Nigeria had earlier evacuated 258 citizens in the first phase of the operation and has pledged to continue bringing home all registered Nigerians willing to return.
The Federal Government said it remains committed to protecting Nigerians abroad while engaging South African authorities over the safety of its citizens.
Source: Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM)
