Another batch of 66 stranded Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has arrived in Lagos, bringing the total number of returnees under the ongoing repatriation exercise approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to 324.
According to a statement issued by the Head of Media and Public Relations of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the latest group arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday night. The returnees were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Embassy in South Africa.
Balogun recalled that the first batch of 258 returnees arrived in the country on June 11, 2026, following the President’s approval for the immediate evacuation of stranded Nigerians from South Africa.
The second evacuation exercise was facilitated by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ValueJet Airline, Otunba Kunle Soname, whose intervention ensured the safe return of the 66 Nigerians.
The returnees expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving their evacuation, while also commending Otunba Soname for his humanitarian support. They equally thanked the Acting Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander-Ajayi, for his role in facilitating their return.
The returnees also conveyed their gratitude to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, whose officials received them on arrival and announced financial support measures to assist their reintegration.
Representing the NiDCOM Chairman during the reception, Mr. Dipo Odebowale commended President Tinubu for ensuring the safe return of the stranded Nigerians. He disclosed that challenges encountered after the first evacuation were being actively addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, who has assured that all Nigerians registered for evacuation would eventually be brought home.
As part of the support package for the returnees, those from Imo State received ₦1 million each through the intervention of Governor Hope Uzodimma. Telecommunications company MTN also donated free SIM packs with data valued at ₦50,000 and pledged an additional ₦100,000 to be paid into the bank accounts of each returnee.
Similarly, the Senior Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, donated ₦100,000 to each of the returnees to support their resettlement.
Several government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and other security agencies, were present to receive and document the returnees.
The beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the warm reception, financial assistance, and support provided upon their return, describing the intervention as timely and reassuring as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives in Nigeria.
