A third batch of 298 stranded Nigerian citizens has successfully returned home from South Africa, marking another milestone in the federal government’s ongoing repatriation efforts. The evacuation, which was fully funded and facilitated under the direct directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Nigerians abroad who wish to return home.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos aboard an Air Peace charter flight. They were accompanied by key officials from the Nigerian Embassy in South Africa and received upon arrival by representatives from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) alongside various state government delegates.
Reintegration Support and Financial Relief
Upon their arrival, the returnees expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, and NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa for the swift intervention. To assist with their immediate resettlement, several packages and financial grants were distributed:
- Imo State Indigenes: Received a generous resettlement grant of one million naira (N1,000,000) each, courtesy of Governor Hope Uzodinma.
- General Financial Aid: All returnees received N100,000 credited directly to their bank accounts.
- Communication Support: Telecommunications giant MTN provided free SIM cards loaded with data worth N50,000 to assist the returnees in reconnecting with their families.
Official delegates from Edo and Delta states were also on the ground to receive their respective citizens, promising structured reintegration programs to help them transition smoothly back into society.
Air Peace Commended for Humanitarian Efforts
This latest flight marks the 16th humanitarian and evacuation operation conducted by Air Peace, bringing the total number of Nigerians repatriated by the airline in recent missions to 533. The airline’s consistent willingness to prioritize national interest over commercial gains has drawn widespread praise.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, lauded the collaboration between the Federal Government and Air Peace. She described the evacuation as a profound demonstration of patriotism and national solidarity, emphasizing that no Nigerian in distress should feel abandoned by their homeland.
With this third successful phase completed, the Nigerian government continues to monitor the situation of its citizens abroad, reinforcing public confidence in the nation’s emergency response capabilities.