Fifth batch of Nigerians stranded in South Africa arrive Lagos; Total returnees now 1,134
...State govts, organisations announce welfare packages
Lagos, July 10, 2026:
Another batch of 282 Nigerian returnees from South Africa arrived the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, at 7.35 p.m. on Thursday aboard Air Peace Airlines, thus bringing the total number of returnees to 1,134.
Thus far, Air Peace has done four flights of 258, 266, 262, 282 while Value Jet flew in 66 Nigerians free of charge to support the evacuation.
The returnees, according to a statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM, were accompanied by two officials of Nigeria High Commission in South Africa.
“This is a continuation of the resolve of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in ensuring the safe return of willing Nigerians to the country,” he said, adding that the returnees expressed their gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving their immediate evacuation; the Nigerian Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Amb. Temitope Alexander-Ajayi, and Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM, whose staff were on hand to receive them and announce some financial support for them.
“The returnees from Imo state, courtesy of Gov. Hope Uzodinmma received one million Naira each while
MTN donated free-sim packs (with data) worth N50,000 and N100,000 to be paid to the bank accounts of all the returnees.
“Edo and Delta state officials also announced incentives from their respective state governments to the returnees.
“Similarly, Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, Founder of Omega Power Ministries (OPM) has offered free accommodation in Port Harcourt, Rivers state to 52 of the returnees as well as free education till university level for their children and skills acquisition to the families.
“JAAL Foundation also promised empowerment support for 50 female returnees.
“Cruxstone, a real estate firm, gave cash to the first set of returnees while Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters Church gave N100,000 each to 66 of the returnees.”
He also said that government agencies, including NEMA, Refugees Commission, Nigeria Immigration Service, FAAN and security agencies were on hand to document and receive them.
The returnees, he concluded, were full of gratitude for the donations, support and warm welcome received.
