The Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme has officially concluded, with the final batch of 305 Nigerian nationals and three government officials arriving at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport. This brings the total number of returnees from South Africa to 1,448.
News Central TV reported the arrival, noting that the initiative was part of the government’s emergency response to escalating xenophobic attacks against black migrants in South Africa.
“The commission will support Nigerians returning from South Africa with reintegration services, psychosocial care and skills development to help them rebuild their lives,” said Catherine Udida, Director of Migrants Affairs at the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
The airlift was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), and operated by Nigerian airlines, notably Air Peace.
Major General Ezeaka Chidozie Ishola Buharideen described the atmosphere at the airport as jubilant: “JOY IN THE AIR. The humanitarian airlift was fully funded and approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to protect citizens stranded amid rising tensions and anti-migrant protests in South Africa.”
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who witnessed the departure from Pretoria, shared her reflections: “Home Sweet Home… The last batch of Nigerian nationals departed this evening from the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, to catch the chartered aircraft back to Nigeria.”
The repatriation marks a significant humanitarian milestone, closing a chapter of uncertainty for many Nigerians affected by the wave of xenophobic protests in South Africa.
