298 Nigerian Returnees From South Africa Arrive
Lagos, June 30, 2026: Another batch of 298 Nigerians returnees were evacuated in compliance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for the immediate evacuation of stranded Nigerians in South Africa back to the country.
Abdur- Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM’s spokesperson said the third evacuation was facilitated and funded by President Tinubu who has vowed to ensure the safe return of stranded Nigerians who are willing to come home.
According to him, the batch, which consisted of 298 returnees , arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard Air Peace Airlines and was accompanied by officials from Nigerian Embassy in South Africa.
The returnees expressed their gratitude to President Bola Tinubu; Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Acting High Commissioner, South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander-Ajayi, and Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, whose staff were on hand to receive them, and announced some financial support.
Receiving the returnees were Ambassador Ali Gombe from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador Katherine Ude, Director, Nigerian Refuge Commission, and Internally Displaced Persons; Mr. C. C. Uzoma, Comptroller of Immigrations of Muritala Muhammed International Airport Command, Mr Dipo Odebowale , who represented Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
The returnees from Imo state courtesy of Gov. Hope Uzodinmma received one million naira each while.
MTN donated free-sim pack (with data) worth N50,000 and N100,000 to be paid to the bank account of all the returnees.
Edo and Delta state officials were present to receive the returnees from the respective states and affirmed the resolve of their governors in easing reintegration experience for the returnees.
Other government agencies at hand to receive the returnees for proper documentation were NEMA , Refugees Commission , Nigerian Immigration Service, FAAN and security agencies.
