The Nigerian Government through its humanitarian agencies has received a total of 103 Nigerians from the Republic of Turkey
The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, as well as other Stakeholders were at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Friday evening.
A Southwind Airlines, flight TCGRB which conveyed the deportees from Turkey to Nigeria, touched down in Abuja at past 7 pm and taxied to the pilgrims wing of the airport where they were received by the Federal Government officials led by NEMA.
Addressing the returnees, who were displeased with the situation surrounding their deportation, the Director General, of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar assured them that the Federal Government would follow up on their cases and ensure they get justice where necessary.
“It’s indeed very sad how and how fellow Nigerians are treated abroad. Even before you came back, we already had the information and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will follow up on these cases. What we require from you is just to calm down “, he implores them
The DG NEMA who was represented by the Director, North-Central Zone, Bashir Garga said the returnees were received with dignity.
Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijjani Aliyu while encouraging the deportees to keep hope alive, noted with emphasis that the Nigerian Government will ensure that any of their rights been infringed upon, would be fought for.
Represented by the Director, of Migration in the Commission, Ambassador Catherine Udida, and the Federal Commissioner said the Federal Government in collaboration with its partners has plans for them.
“This is not the end of life. There’s more to life. Those of you who claimed you have your passports confiscated, the passport is the property of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and we’ll get your passports back”, he said.
One of the deportees, Moses Emeh shared his experience that he doesn’t know where to start from, noting that it’s a diplomatic issue and believes that the Nigerian Government knows exactly what should be done for their infringed rights to be fought upon.
He called on the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to intervene by getting to the root causes of the incident that led to their alleged wrongful deportation.
” Sad, so sad, embarrassed, because it’s not what I think, someone that has a registered company in Turkey, running for more than eight years. I had the resident permit and over time they canceled it which I wanted to change to a working permit. He lamented
The deportees were given food, a dignity pack which consisted of toiletries and a token to assist in transporting them to their various destinations.
Dominica Nwabufo
