Telecommunications firm, MTN Nigeria, and the Imo State have announced financial relief packages for Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks that triggered an emergency repatriation exercise.
Under the arrangement, MTN will provide N100,000 cash support to each returnee, alongside N50,000 airtime and connectivity assistance.
The Imo State Government has also approved N1 million for each indigene among the evacuees to support reintegration and recovery.
The first batch of about 262 Nigerians arrived in Lagos on Thursday, June 11, 2026, under a Federal Government-coordinated evacuation program in response to escalating violence targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.
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The returnees were received by Nigerian officials and emergency response agencies at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, where they underwent documentation and profiling as part of reintegration arrangements.
Authorities confirmed that over 1,000 Nigerians had registered for voluntary return, with additional evacuation flights expected in subsequent phases.
Officials said the combined intervention is aimed at cushioning the immediate hardship faced by returnees, many of whom abandoned businesses, property and livelihoods during the crisis.
Diplomatic engagements are ongoing between Nigeria and South African authorities to address recurring xenophobic tensions and strengthen protections for Nigerian citizens abroad.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring safe return and reintegration as the evacuation exercise continues.