The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks has arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The returnees, numbering over 260, were airlifted aboard an Air Peace flight as part of the Federal Government’s emergency evacuation programme for Nigerians affected by the unrest in South Africa.
The evacuation followed reports of attacks targeting foreign nationals during anti-immigration protests in parts of South Africa, prompting concerns for the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in the country.
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Welcoming the evacuees on arrival, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed gratitude that they had returned safely despite the traumatic experiences many endured.
“We thank God that you are back home safely. What is most important is that your lives have been preserved. We understand the challenges and trauma many of you have faced, and we are committed to supporting you as you begin a new chapter back home,” she explained.
Dabiri-Erewa assured the returnees that the Federal Government had put measures in place to ease their reintegration into society. According to her, the returnees would receive support packages, including transportation assistance, communication support, and other welfare items to help them reconnect with their families and settle in.
She further disclosed that the evacuees would be profiled according to their states and local government areas of origin to enable state governments and relevant agencies to provide complementary assistance.
“You will be properly documented and linked with your various state governments so that additional support can be provided where necessary,” Dabiri-Erewa disclosed.
The NiDCOM chairman also highlighted ongoing partnerships with agencies such as the Bank of Industry and the National Directorate of Employment aimed at providing vocational training, entrepreneurship opportunities, and access to soft loans for interested returnees.
“We do not want you to feel abandoned.
“There are opportunities for skills acquisition, business support and empowerment programmes that can help you rebuild and move forward,” she stated.
Some of the returnees expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Government for facilitating their safe return, describing the situation in South Africa as increasingly tense and uncertain in the days leading up to the evacuation.
They expressed relief at being back in the country after experiencing uncertainty and fear amid the attacks.
One of the evacuees said, “We are grateful for the opportunity to return home safely. The situation became increasingly tense, and many of us felt vulnerable.”
Another returnee stated, “We appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian government and everyone involved in making this evacuation possible.”
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and other relevant agencies are expected to provide documentation, profiling, and support services to the returnees as they begin the process of reintegration.
Authorities say they will continue engaging with the South African government while monitoring developments to ensure the protection of Nigerians who remain in the country.
The latest evacuation comes amid renewed concerns over recurring xenophobic incidents in South Africa, which have, over the years, affected nationals of several African countries, including Nigeria.
Meanwhile, about three additional batches of Nigerian returnees are expected to arrive before the end of June as the government continues its voluntary evacuation programme for citizens affected by the xenophobic unrest in South Africa.
