By Ayo Kehinde
The Federal Government on Thursday received a second batch of 66 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa, as authorities stepped up efforts to facilitate the voluntary return of citizens amid growing concerns over anti-migrant sentiments and planned demonstrations in the Southern African nation.
A statement by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), disclosed that the latest arrival follows the successful evacuation of 258 Nigerians on June 11, 2026 by Air Peace, bringing the total number of returnees received under the ongoing exercise to 324.
The second batch was facilitated by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ValueJet, Otunba Kunle Soname, whose airline provided transportation support for the returnees.
The evacuees were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa.
Upon arrival in Nigeria, the returnees expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for intervening in their situation and ensuring their safe return home.
They also commended the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope (Alexander) Ajayi, and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for their roles in coordinating the evacuation process.
The returnees further acknowledged the contributions of several government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), among others, for providing reception, documentation and support services upon arrival.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Dipo Onabowale described the evacuation exercise as a demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
He noted that challenges encountered following the first evacuation exercise were being addressed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the leadership of the Minister, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
According to him, the minister has assured that all Nigerians who have registered for evacuation from South Africa will be brought home safely.
Onabowale also announced a number of support initiatives designed to assist the returnees as they reintegrate into society.
Among the interventions, indigenes of Imo State received financial support of ₦1 million each through the sponsorship of Governor Hope Uzodinma.
Telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria also provided free SIM packs loaded with data valued at ₦50,000 and credited an additional ₦100,000 to the bank accounts of each returnee.
In a further demonstration of humanitarian support, Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre donated ₦100,000 to each of the evacuees to assist them in settling back into life in Nigeria.
Officials of NEMA, the Refugee Commission, the Nigeria Immigration Service, FAAN and security agencies were present at the airport to receive the returnees, complete documentation procedures and provide immediate assistance.
The evacuation exercise comes amid heightened concerns among Nigerians living in South Africa following growing anti-migrant campaigns and calls by some groups for stricter immigration enforcement.
Nigerian authorities have repeatedly assured citizens that adequate measures are being taken to safeguard their welfare while providing support for those who wish to return home voluntarily.
