The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed the safe arrival of the first batch of 262 Nigerian nationals evacuated from South Africa.
The evacuation was carried out following the directive of President Bola Tinubu, who approved and fully funded the Air Peace-operated flight. The returnees departed OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 10:15 a.m. on Thursday.
On arrival, they were received by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, alongside the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Speaking at the reception, Dabiri-Erewa praised the Federal Government’s swift response and the collaboration among relevant agencies.
“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 stated.
She also disclosed a series of support interventions announced for the evacuees, including financial assistance and documentation support.
According to her, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has approved ₦1,000,000 for each Imo State indigene among the returnees.
She added that MTN Nigeria has pledged ₦100,000 for each returnee, to be credited directly into their accounts.
Dabiri-Erewa further noted that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will fast-track the issuance of National Identity Numbers (NIN) for all evacuees to ease documentation processes.
The returnees are currently undergoing mandatory screening, profiling, and documentation procedures at the airport.
NiDCOM also urged Nigerians living abroad to remain law-abiding, while encouraging continued diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to address the underlying issues that led to the evacuation.
