The Federal Government has successfully evacuated the second batch of Nigerians stranded in South Africa amid the resurgence of Xenophobic attacks and deadline for the exit of African migrants from the country draws nearer.
NPO Reported that protest had over the months rocked South Africa as groups of local indigenes called for the departure of African migrants comprising of Nigerians, Malawians, Mozambicans, and Ghanaians amongst others.
The protest had resulted to vandalisation of property owned by African migrants with some cases of death recorded while several others have been largely displaced.
In the wake of the resurgence, the Federal Government had commenced repatriation of Nigerians from South Africa with 258 returnees received by the Nigerian Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the first batch of the evacuation exercise earlier this month.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) would on Thursday announce the arrival of the second batch of returnees in a statement issued on its official X handle.
According to NiDCOM, a total of 66 Nigerian returnees arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, on Wednesday evening.
The second batch evacuation was reportedly facilitated by the Chairman/CEO of Value Jet, Otunba Kunle Soname, with the returnees accompanied by officials from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa.
On arrival, the returnees further received supports as Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, awarded N1 million to Imo indigenes among the returnees.
Also extending kind gesture to the repatriated Nigerians was MTN Nigeria who, according to NiDCOM, provided free SIM packs with data worth N50,000, plus N100,000 credited to each returnee’s bank account.
In the same vein, Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre donated N100,000 to each returnee.
Government agencies including NEMA, the Refugee Commission, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and security operatives were on ground to document, receive, and provide necessary immediate assistance to the returnees.
Speaking on behalf of Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the NIDCOM Chairman/CEO, Dipo Onabowale commended President Tinubu for his citizen-centred leadership in ensuring the safe return of the returnees.
He noted that logistical challenges encountered after the first evacuation are being proactively addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who has given assurances that **all registered Nigerians** will be evacuated.
On their part, the returnees expressed deep appreciation for the donations, warm reception, and comprehensive support, describing the gesture as a clear testament to Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians wherever they may be.