66 returnees arrive Lagos amid assurances that all registered Nigerians stranded in South Africa will be brought home; beneficiaries receive financial support and reintegration packages
By Anita Babalola – June 25, 2026
LAGOS, Nigeria — A second batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has safely arrived in Lagos, underscoring the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to protecting the welfare of citizens abroad amid challenging circumstances.
The latest group of 66 returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 8:50 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, as part of a coordinated repatriation exercise approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The arrival marks the continuation of a large-scale evacuation initiative designed to facilitate the safe return of Nigerians who had become stranded in South Africa.
According to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the operation reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians facing difficulties overseas receive timely assistance and support.
Government Continues Large-Scale Repatriation Programme
The latest evacuation follows the successful return of the first batch of 258 Nigerians who arrived in the country on June 11, 2026, aboard a chartered Air Peace flight.
With the arrival of the second batch, the total number of Nigerians repatriated under the current exercise has risen to 324.
Officials say the evacuation programme remains ongoing, with assurances that additional registered Nigerians awaiting repatriation will also be brought back to the country.
The second evacuation flight was facilitated by ValueJet Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Otunba Kunle Soname, whose support contributed significantly to the transportation of the returnees.
The evacuees were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, who coordinated aspects of the return process.
Returnees Express Gratitude to Government and Partners
Upon arrival, many of the returnees expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the evacuation exercise and facilitating their return.
They also acknowledged the efforts of several institutions and individuals involved in the operation, including the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, NiDCOM, humanitarian partners, and various government agencies that coordinated logistics and reception arrangements.
The returnees described the intervention as timely and life-changing, noting that the evacuation offered them an opportunity to reconnect with their families and begin rebuilding their lives in Nigeria.
NiDCOM Commends Tinubu’s Intervention
Speaking during the reception ceremony on behalf of NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Mr. Dipo Onabowale praised President Tinubu for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians abroad.
He described the evacuation as evidence of a citizen-focused leadership approach aimed at ensuring that Nigerians facing challenges overseas are not abandoned.
Onabowale further disclosed that challenges encountered during the first phase of the evacuation exercise were already being addressed through diplomatic and administrative channels.
According to him, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has assured stakeholders that all Nigerians who have registered for evacuation will be accommodated in subsequent phases of the programme.
Financial Support Packages Announced for Returnees
In a move aimed at easing reintegration and providing immediate relief, several support packages were announced for the returnees.
Among the notable interventions was a special package for returnees of Imo State origin, who reportedly received ₦1 million each through the support of Governor Hope Uzodinma.
Telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria also extended assistance by providing complimentary SIM cards loaded with data valued at ₦50,000, alongside cash support of ₦100,000 credited to each beneficiary’s bank account.
Additionally, Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre donated ₦100,000 to each returnee as part of efforts to assist their transition back into society.
Observers say the support packages could play a significant role in helping the returnees settle, secure accommodation, reconnect with family members, and explore economic opportunities upon their return.
Government Agencies Coordinate Reception and Documentation
Several federal agencies were mobilised to ensure a smooth reception process for the returnees.
Officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and relevant security agencies were present to receive the evacuees.
The agencies undertook documentation, profiling, health assessments, and immediate support services to facilitate the reintegration process.
Authorities noted that the coordinated response demonstrated effective inter-agency collaboration in addressing humanitarian and diaspora-related challenges.
Growing Focus on Diaspora Welfare
The latest evacuation comes amid increasing government attention to the welfare of Nigerians living abroad.
Over the years, Nigeria has conducted several evacuation exercises in response to crises, conflicts, economic challenges, and immigration-related issues affecting citizens in foreign countries.
Analysts say the South African evacuation exercise reflects broader efforts to strengthen diaspora engagement policies and reinforce confidence among Nigerians overseas that government institutions remain responsive to their welfare needs.
The development also highlights the strategic role played by diplomatic missions, diaspora agencies, private sector partners, and humanitarian organisations in managing emergency repatriation operations.
The successful arrival of the second batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa represents another milestone in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to protect and support citizens abroad.
As authorities continue preparations for additional evacuations, assurances from government officials that all registered Nigerians will be repatriated are likely to bring relief to many families awaiting the return of their loved ones.
For the 66 returnees who touched down in Lagos on Wednesday night, the journey home marks not only the end of a difficult chapter abroad but also the beginning of a new opportunity to rebuild and reintegrate within Nigeria.
Leave a Reply