South Africa returnees support includes cash grants, airtime, transport and documentation assistance for Nigerians evacuated from xenophobic attacks

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has outlined the support packages being provided to the first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following escalating xenophobic attacks.

Also read: Evacuated Nigerians arrive in Lagos after South Africa xenophobic crisis

Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, Dabiri-Erewa said the 262 returnees who arrived in Lagos had received assistance from government agencies and private organisations to aid their reintegration.

The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport after being evacuated under a Federal Government-supported repatriation programme.

“I’ll tell you something about those 250 that came in. None of them committed any crime. The only crime they committed is the colour of their skin. They are migrants in South Africa,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

According to her, telecommunications company MTN Nigeria provided each returnee with N100,000 in financial support, alongside N50,000 worth of airtime and starter packs to help them reconnect with family members and begin resettlement.

She also disclosed that Hope Uzodimma donated N1 million each to returnees from Imo State who were among those evacuated.

Dabiri-Erewa commended the gesture and urged other governors to reach out to their citizens affected by the crisis.

In addition to financial assistance, the National Emergency Management Agency provided transportation support to facilitate the movement of returnees to their destinations.

She added that a private real estate company also contributed financial assistance as part of efforts to help the evacuees rebuild their lives.

The National Identity Management Commission was also present to assist returnees with identity registration and documentation, ensuring they could access government services and other support programmes.

Dabiri-Erewa said the Federal Government would continue engaging with the returnees to assess their professional backgrounds, skills and immediate needs.

According to her, the objective is to identify opportunities for long-term support and reintegration.

She noted that more than 1,000 Nigerians had registered for voluntary evacuation from South Africa as concerns persist over attacks targeting foreign nationals.

A second batch of evacuees is expected to depart South Africa on June 15 as authorities continue efforts to assist Nigerians seeking to return home.

Also read: FG to repatriate 270 Nigerians from South Africa

The repatriation programme was initiated following growing reports of xenophobic violence in parts of South Africa, prompting Nigerian authorities to facilitate the voluntary return of affected citizens while pursuing diplomatic engagement on the issue.