Repatriation Efforts Continue Following Xenophobic Attacks as Returnees Receive Cash, SIM Cards, and Data Packages
The federal government has successfully repatriated another 66 Nigerians from South Africa, marking the second phase of evacuation efforts following recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The returnees touched down at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport around 8:50 p.m. on Wednesday, continuing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approved evacuation exercise.
Government Confirms Ongoing Evacuation
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa confirmed the development to Vanguard on Thursday, stating that 66 persons were repatriated in this latest phase. The first batch of 258 Nigerians had previously arrived on June 11 via a chartered Air Peace flight.
Private Sector and Officials Collaborate on Repatriation
The evacuation flight was facilitated by ValueJet Chairman and CEO Mr. Kunle Soname, with Nigerian High Commission officials accompanying the returnees, according to NiDCOM Lagos Office head Mr. Dipo Onabowale.
Onabowale, speaking for NiDCOM Chairman Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, praised President Tinubu’s approval of the exercise. He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is addressing challenges encountered during the first phase, with Foreign Affairs Minister Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu assuring that all registered Nigerians willing to return will be evacuated.
Returnees Receive Generous Support Packages
The evacuees received multiple support packages upon arrival:
· Imo State evacuees: N1 million each from Governor Hope Uzodimma
· Free MTN SIM cards with N50,000 worth of data
· N100,000 credited to each returnee’s bank account
· Additional N100,000 donation from Harvesters International Christian Centre founder Pastor Bolaji Idowu
Returnees Express Gratitude
The evacuees expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the evacuation and ensuring their safe return. They also thanked Soname, Acting Nigerian High Commissioner Ambassador Temitope Ajayi, Dabiri-Erewa, and others who supported the exercise.
