The Nigerian government has brought home 66 more citizens from South Africa, continuing its mission to protect those impacted by recent xenophobic violence. This second group landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday evening at 8:50 p.m. This mission was authorized by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the safety of Nigerians facing threats abroad, following an initial group of 258 people who arrived on June 11 via Air Peace.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa confirmed the arrival. Dipo Onabowale, representing the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in Lagos, noted that ValueJet CEO Kunle Soname provided the flight, with support from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa. Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has promised that all Nigerians who signed up to leave will be brought home.
Upon arrival, returnees received several support packages. Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State pledged N1 million to each returnee from his state. Additionally, MTN Nigeria provided data and SIM cards, while each individual received N100,000 from both the government and Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre. Various agencies, including NEMA and the Nigeria Immigration Service, were present to assist with the processing of the returnees.
