Xenophobia: FG receives 270 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa

The Federal Government has received 270 Nigerian citizens who returned from South Africa through an ongoing voluntary return initiative coordinated by relevant authorities.

The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday after completing registration and screening procedures required under the programme.

In a statement issued by the Lagos Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the agency said officials from government institutions and partner organisations were present at the airport to receive the returnees and assist with arrangements for their reintegration into society.

The statement, signed by the Head of Operations, NEMA Lagos Operations Office, Mr Mohammed Olatunde, noted that the return programme was aimed at ensuring a smooth transition for Nigerians choosing to return home.

According to Olatunde, the returnees had “registered for the programme and completed the required screening processes” before departing South Africa.

He explained that government agencies worked together to ensure the arrival process was seamless, while support measures were put in place to address immediate needs.

Olatunde said the Federal Government provided transportation to help the returnees continue their journeys to various parts of the country.

He also disclosed that medical personnel and emergency response teams were on standby to attend to anyone requiring urgent healthcare services.

Reaffirming the agency’s role in the exercise, Olatunde said NEMA remained committed to providing humanitarian support and ensuring the safe reception of Nigerians returning from overseas.

According to him, “the programme is designed to ensure the safe, orderly and dignified return of Nigerian citizens.”

He added that the agency would sustain collaboration with stakeholders involved in the initiative to promote the welfare of the returnees and support their reintegration into their communities.