The second batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has arrived in Lagos, with 66 returnees landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on June 24 as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing repatriation exercise.
The evacuation was approved by President Bola Tinubu and coordinated through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to assist Nigerians seeking to return home from South Africa.
The returnees arrived at approximately 8:50 p.m. and were accompanied by officials from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa. The latest group follows an earlier batch of 258 Nigerians who returned on June 11 aboard a chartered Air Peace flight.
NiDCOM said the second evacuation flight was facilitated by businessman and Value Jet chairman Kunle Soname.
Upon arrival, the returnees expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and several individuals and agencies involved in the operation, including Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa Temitope Ajayi, NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the National Emergency Management Agency, the National Commission for Refugees, Migration and Internally Displaced Persons, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Speaking on behalf of Dabiri-Erewa, Dipo Onabowale commended the President for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians abroad. He added that logistical challenges encountered during the first evacuation had prompted further interventions by Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who reportedly assured that all registered Nigerians would be evacuated.
As part of the reintegration programme, NiDCOM announced support packages for the returnees. Imo State indigenes among the group received ₦1 million each through the administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma.
[MTN Nigeria](https://www.mtn.ng?utm_source=chatgpt.com) also provided free SIM packs with data valued at ₦50,000 and credited ₦100,000 to each returnee’s bank account. In addition, Pastor Bolaji Idowu donated ₦100,000 to each returnee.
Government agencies, including NEMA, immigration officials, airport authorities and security personnel, were present to document and receive the returnees while providing immediate assistance.
The returnees described the support package and reception as evidence of the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians living abroad.
