The Federal Government has welcomed the sixth batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests that affected several foreign nationals.
The latest group of evacuees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Friday night, increasing the total number of Nigerians successfully repatriated to 1,174 under the ongoing evacuation exercise.
According to a statement issued by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) through its Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the operation was coordinated through multiple flights to ensure the safe return of affected citizens. Four Air Peace aircraft transported 258, 266, 262 and 282 passengers respectively, while an additional 66 Nigerians were brought home on a ValueJet flight.
Upon arrival, the returnees were received by officials of NiDCOM alongside representatives of relevant government agencies and security services. The officials assisted with immigration procedures, documentation and the coordination of welfare support to help ease the return and reintegration of the evacuees.
As part of efforts to support those affected by the crisis, the Imo State Government provided financial assistance to its indigenes among the returnees. Governor Hope Uzodimma approved a cash grant of ₦1 million for each evacuated Imo resident to help them rebuild their lives following their return to Nigeria.
NiDCOM noted that many of the returnees expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for facilitating their evacuation, as well as to state governments, religious organisations and private institutions that contributed to the rescue and relief efforts.
The commission also acknowledged the roles played by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander Ajayi; and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for coordinating diplomatic engagements and ensuring the successful evacuation of Nigerians stranded by the unrest.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians living abroad, assuring citizens that efforts will continue to protect their interests and provide assistance whenever they are faced with emergencies or security threats in foreign countries.
