Again, 83 Nigerians Repatriated From South Africa Arrive in Lagos — Here’s What We Know

Kehinde Adeleye

A fresh batch of 83 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa has arrived in Lagos, following a renewed effort to facilitate the safe return of Nigerians stranded or seeking to return home.

The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday evening aboard a South African Airways flight from Johannesburg.

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the returnees were accompanied by two officials from the Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg.

According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the latest repatriation was made possible through the provision of flight tickets by private individuals who supported the return of the Nigerians.

The returnees were received on behalf of the Federal Government by Haruna Ali-Gombe, Director of the African Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Following their arrival, they were handed over to relevant government agencies for documentation and profiling ahead of their reunification with their families.

The latest group brings the number of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa to 1,573, following the earlier return of 1,490 Nigerians in seven batches.

The Federal Government said it remains committed to the welfare and safe return of Nigerians abroad, while appreciating the Nigerian mission in South Africa, private sponsors and government agencies involved in the latest exercise.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has opened an online portal for Nigerians interested in participating in another repatriation exercise.

The Federal Government has also called on corporate organisations, state governments and individuals to support future repatriation efforts by emulating the private individuals who funded the latest return.