67 Nigerians Repatriated From South Africa Arrive Lagos, Receive ₦50,000 Each
By Emmanuel Daniji
A new batch of 67 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa has arrived in Lagos amid growing concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in the country.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Wednesday night aboard a South African Airways flight, just one week after another group of 83 Nigerians was repatriated from South Africa.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the latest repatriation exercise, like the previous one, was sponsored by private individuals.
According to the minister, the exercise was taking place against the backdrop of continued concerns over reported xenophobic incidents in South Africa and protests by groups demanding the removal of foreign nationals from the country.
The 67 returnees comprised 30 adults, 34 children and one infant. They came from Lagos, Enugu, Kogi, Ogun, Imo, Oyo, Delta, Edo, Anambra, Osun, Benue, Abia and Kwara states.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu appealed to state governments to support the Federal Government’s repatriation efforts by assisting Nigerians returning from South Africa.
She noted that many of the returnees had left behind jobs, businesses and properties in South Africa and would require support to rebuild their lives.
“We continue to appeal to state governments to complement the federal government’s repatriation efforts by coming to the aid of their returnees,” the minister said, urging authorities to help with their relocation and resettlement.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the returnees were also given immediate financial assistance upon arrival.
Ikem Ume-Ezeoke, coordinator of the repatriation exercise, and businessman Charles Mba reportedly addressed the returnees and presented ₦50,000 to each person.
The latest arrival brings the number of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa within the past two weeks to 150, following the earlier return of 83 Nigerians.
