South Africa Evacuation Continues as 66 More Nigerians Return Home

Another batch of 66 stranded Nigerians has arrived in Lagos from South Africa, bringing the total number of evacuees returned under the Federal Government’s emergency repatriation programme to 324.

The latest group arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Wednesday night following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the immediate evacuation of Nigerians facing difficulties in the Southern African country. The first batch of 258 returnees arrived on June 11.

The evacuation, facilitated by ValueJet Airline Chairman, Otunba Kunle Soname, comes amid renewed concerns over the welfare and protection of Nigerians living abroad.

Accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Embassy in South Africa, the returnees expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the airline and diplomatic officials for assisting them to return home safely.

Their arrival highlights the growing challenges many Nigerians face overseas, including economic hardship, immigration difficulties and vulnerability in foreign countries.

Representatives of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, said efforts are ongoing to ensure that all registered Nigerians seeking evacuation from South Africa are brought back home.

According to the commission, logistical challenges encountered after the first evacuation are being addressed through collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s diplomatic missions.

The returnees received various forms of support upon arrival, including financial assistance from government and private organisations.

Returnees from Imo State were awarded one million naira each by the state government, while telecommunications company MTN provided support packages and Harvesters Church donated cash assistance.

Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and other security agencies were also on ground to facilitate documentation and reintegration efforts.

The evacuation exercise underscores both the resilience of Nigerians abroad and the need to address the factors driving vulnerable migration and irregular movement of citizens in search of better opportunities overseas.