A new batch of 67 Nigerians landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday night aboard South African Airways, as voluntary repatriation efforts from South Africa continue to gather momentum.
The flight, facilitated entirely by a group of well-meaning private individuals and philanthropists, adds to ongoing efforts to bring home Nigerians facing economic and social challenges abroad.
–‘N50,000 Support For Each Returnee—
On arrival, the returnees were received by representatives of the group.
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Chief Charles Mba, a businessman and philanthropist, and Mr Ikem Ume-Ezeoke, coordinator of the group, addressed the returnees and presented each with N50,000 in cash to aid their resettlement.
Speaking to the returnees, Mba urged them to embrace patriotism and obey regulations set by relevant agencies as they reintegrate.
“No hope is lost,” Mba said. “Whatever happened in South Africa will not be a hindrance to your growth, especially that of your children. Nigeria has opportunities, and we must build them together.”
Ume-Ezeoke commended the Federal Government for previous interventions and said the private initiative was meant to complement state efforts.
“Nigeria has enormous potential that can be harnessed by our people when they return home with the right mindset,” he added.
—150 Nigerians Repatriated So Far—
With this latest arrival, the group said *150 Nigerians* have now been repatriated with its support. An earlier batch of 83 Nigerians was brought back under the same arrangement.
While the federal government, through NiDCOM, has coordinated several evacuation flights in recent years, this latest repatriation highlights the growing role of private citizens in supporting returnees.
Officials at the airport assured the returnees of access to documentation, profiling and reintegration support from relevant agencies.
The returnees cited economic hardship, xenophobic tensions and irregular migration status among reasons for leaving South Africa.
—Background—
Repatriations from South Africa have increased since 2019 following reported attacks on foreign nationals. The Nigerian government and diaspora groups have continued to advocate for safer migration and stronger economic opportunities at home to reduce irregular migration.
