The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has welcomed the safe return of the first batch of 262 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following rising concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens in the country.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 10:15 a.m. on Thursday aboard an Air Peace flight from OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg.
The evacuation was carried out on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who approved and fully funded the operation as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to the protection and welfare of Nigerians abroad.
The evacuees were received by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, alongside NIDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Speaking at the reception, Dabiri-Erewa commended President Tinubu for his swift intervention and praised the collaborative efforts of all agencies involved in the evacuation exercise.
“We are deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of our brothers and sisters in South Africa. President Tinubu has demonstrated exemplary leadership by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in times of distress. We stand ready to support these returnees as they resettle and rebuild their lives,” she said.
The NIDCOM boss also announced a series of support measures for the returnees aimed at easing their reintegration into society.
According to her, the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, has approved a grant of ₦1 million for each indigene of Imo State among the evacuees.
She further disclosed that MTN Nigeria has donated ₦100,000 to each returnee, with the funds to be paid directly into their bank accounts.
In addition, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will fast-track the issuance of National Identity Numbers (NIN) to all the evacuees to facilitate access to government services and support programmes.
The returnees are currently undergoing mandatory documentation and profiling at the airport as part of the government’s resettlement process.
NIDCOM also urged Nigerians living in the diaspora to remain law-abiding and peaceful while the Federal Government continues engagements with South African authorities to address the root causes of the tensions that led to the evacuation.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad and pledged continued support for the returnees as they begin a new chapter back home.
