The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received the seventh batch of 305 Nigerian nationals who voluntarily returned from the Republic of South Africa under the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Cargo Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, at about 11:25 a.m. aboard an Air Peace chartered aircraft with registration number 5N-BWI.
With the latest arrival, the total number of Nigerians received under the ongoing voluntary repatriation programme has risen to 1,516.
On arrival, NEMA, in collaboration with relevant government agencies, carried out documentation, identity verification and health screening to facilitate the orderly reception and processing of the returnees before they were cleared for onward movement.
The reception exercise was jointly coordinated by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), security agencies and other stakeholders.
Following the completion of the reception formalities, NEMA coordinated the transportation of the returnees to their designated destinations, while security agencies ensured a safe and secure environment throughout the exercise.
The latest operation reflects the Federal Government’s continued efforts, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to facilitate the safe, orderly and dignified return and reintegration of Nigerians who choose to return home from abroad.
