Another group of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has arrived in Lagos following recent xenophobic tensions and threats directed at foreign nationals in the country.
According to a statement issued by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on Thursday, June 25, the returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at about 8:50 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24.
NiDCOM said the evacuation exercise was approved by President Bola Tinubu as part of the administration’s commitment to protecting the welfare and safety of Nigerians living abroad.
The latest batch comprised 66 returnees and followed the earlier arrival of 258 Nigerians who were brought back on June 11 aboard a chartered Air Peace flight.
The commission disclosed that the second evacuation was facilitated by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ValueJet, Otunba Kunle Soname.
Officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa accompanied the returnees during the journey home.
On arrival, the evacuees expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the evacuation and ensuring their safe return.
They also thanked Otunba Kunle Soname for supporting the operation, Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope (Alexander) Ajayi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, as well as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and other government agencies involved in the exercise.
Representing the NiDCOM Chairman at the reception, Dipo Onabowale commended President Tinubu for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians overseas.
READ ALSO:Â South Africa Repatriates 2,745 Foreigners In One Week Amid Immigration Crackdown
He noted that challenges encountered during the first evacuation exercise were already being addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
According to him, the minister had assured that all Nigerians who registered for evacuation would be brought home.
As part of measures to support the returnees, several individuals and organisations provided assistance packages.
NiDCOM said Imo State indigenes among the returnees received ₦1 million each from Governor Hope Uzodinma.
MTN Nigeria distributed free SIM cards loaded with data worth ₦50,000 and also credited ₦100,000 into the bank accounts of each returnee.
In addition, Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre donated ₦100,000 to every evacuee.
Officials of NEMA, the Refugee Commission, NIS, FAAN and security agencies were present at the airport to receive the returnees, document their details and provide immediate assistance.
The beneficiaries described the support packages and reception as evidence of the government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, regardless of where they reside.