Nigerian returnees arrive in South Africa in a new batch.

Chinedu Eze

The federal government has brought another batch of Nigerians from South Africa.

The returnees, who numbered 66, arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos at about 8:50 pm on Wednesday.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said the evacuation exercise was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of the government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad.

The first batch of 262 returnees arrived on Thursday, June 11 2026, via a chartered Air Peace flight. The second batch, comprising 66 returnees, was facilitated by Otunba Kunle Soname, Chairman and CEO of Value Jet.

The returnees were accompanied by officials from the Nigerian Embassy and High Commission in South Africa. Upon arrival, they expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his swift approval and intervention, and to Otunba Kunle Soname for his humanitarian support.

The Nigerian Ambassador and acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Temitope Ajayi, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr. Abike Dabiri‑Erewa and her staff were on the ground to receive them and provide immediate assistance.

Speaking on behalf of the NiDCOM Chairman and CEO, Mr. Dipo Onabowale commended President Tinubu for his citizen‑centred leadership in facilitating the safe return of the returnees. He noted that logistical challenges encountered after the first evacuation are being addressed proactively by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu, who has assured that all registered Nigerians will be evacuated.

THISDAY learned that the returnees, particularly those from Imo State, received ₦1,000,000 each courtesy of Governor Hope Uzodinma. Additional support included MTN Nigeria: free SIM packs with data worth ₦50,000 and ₦100,000 credited to each returnee’s bank account. Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre also gave ₦100,000 to each returnee.

Government agencies on the ground to receive the returnees included the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migration and Internally Displaced Persons, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and security agencies. They documented, received, and provided necessary assistance to the returnees.

The returnees expressed deep appreciation for the donations, warm reception, and comprehensive support extended to them, describing it as a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to Nigerians wherever they may be.

NiDCOM reiterates that no Nigerian willing to return home will be left behind. The Commission said it continues to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth evacuation and reintegration processes.