A fresh wave of relief and homecoming unfolded at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday night as another batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrived on home soil, marking the latest phase of a government-backed repatriation effort aimed at bringing stranded citizens back safely.
A statement by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on Thursday noted that they arrived at about 8:50 PM on Wednesday, June 24, 2026
The Commission described the evacuation exercise, approved by President Bola Tinubu, as part of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad.
The first batch of 258 returnees had arrived on Thursday, June 11, 2026, via a chartered Air Peace flight
The second batch of 66 returnees was facilitated by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Value Jet, Otunba Kunle Soname.
According to the statement, the returnees were accompanied by officials from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa.
Upon arrival, the returnees expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his swift approval and decisive intervention, Otunba Kunle Soname for his consistent humanitarian support., Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Temitope (Alexander) Ajayi. – Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Commission for Refugees, Migration and Internally Displaced Persons, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and other relevant government agencies.
Speaking on behalf of 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, according to him, has given assurances that all registered Nigerians will be evacuated.
As part of the support and reintegration plan, NiDCOM announced welcome packages for the returnees.
Imo State indigenes received ₦1,000,000 each, courtesy of Governor Hope Uzodinma. MTN Nigeria provided free SIM packs with data worth ₦50,000, plus ₦100,000 credited to each returnee’s bank account.
Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre donated ₦100,000 to each returnee.
Government agencies, including NEMA, the Refugee Commission, NIS, FAAN, and security operatives, were on ground to document, receive, and provide necessary immediate assistance to the returnees.
The returnees expressed deep appreciation for the donations, warm reception, and comprehensive support, describing the gesture as a clear testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians wherever they may be
