Lagos – A second group of Nigerian returnees from South Africa arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 8:50 pm on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, as the Federal Government continues its evacuation of stranded citizens from the country.
The 66 returnees were flown back on a flight facilitated by the Chairman and CEO of Value Jet, Otunba Kunle Soname, and were accompanied by officials from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa. The evacuation was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of the government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad. A first batch of 258 returnees had arrived on June 11, 2026, via a chartered Air Peace flight.
Speaking on behalf of NIDCOM Chairman and CEO Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Mr. Dipo Onabowale commended President Tinubu for his citizen-centred leadership. He noted that logistical challenges encountered after the first evacuation are being addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who has given assurances that all registered Nigerians will be evacuated.
Upon arrival, the returnees expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Otunba Soname, Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa Ambassador Temitope Ajayi, NIDCOM, the National Emergency Management Agency, the National Commission for Refugees, Migration and Internally Displaced Persons, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Several support packages were extended to the returnees. Imo State indigenes among the group received ₦1,000,000 each, courtesy of Governor Hope Uzodinma. MTN Nigeria provided free SIM packs with data worth ₦50,000, plus ₦100,000 credited to each returnee’s bank account. Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre also donated ₦100,000 to each returnee.
Government agencies including NEMA, the Refugee Commission, the Nigeria Immigration Service, FAAN and security operatives were on the ground to document, receive and provide immediate assistance to the returnees.
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