Xenophobia: FG Receives 270 Nigerians Returning Voluntarily from South Africa

Xenophobia: FG Receives 270 Nigerians Returning Voluntarily from South Africa

The Federal Government has received 270 Nigerian citizens who returned from South Africa under an ongoing voluntary return and reintegration programme coordinated by relevant government and humanitarian authorities.

The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday after completing mandatory registration, documentation, and screening processes required for participation in the initiative.

Officials confirmed that the exercise was jointly facilitated by government agencies and partner organisations to ensure the safe, orderly, and dignified return of Nigerian citizens willing to come back home.

In a statement issued by the Lagos Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (National Emergency Management Agency), the agency said its officials, alongside other stakeholders, were on ground at the airport to receive the returnees and coordinate immediate humanitarian support.

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The statement, signed by the Head of Operations, NEMA Lagos Operations Office, Mr Mohammed Olatunde, noted that the return programme is designed to support Nigerians abroad who voluntarily choose to return, particularly in situations involving economic hardship, safety concerns, or difficult living conditions.

According to him, the returnees had duly registered for the programme and completed all required screening procedures before departing South Africa, ensuring compliance with established migration protocols.

On arrival in Lagos, the returnees were assisted through immigration clearance and profiling procedures, after which arrangements were made for their onward movement to different parts of the country.

Olatunde explained that the Federal Government provided transportation support to help ease their movement from Lagos to their respective destinations across Nigeria.

He further disclosed that medical personnel and emergency response teams were stationed at the airport to provide immediate attention to any returnee requiring healthcare services upon arrival.

Reaffirming NEMA’s role in the operation, he said the agency remains committed to humanitarian coordination, emergency response, and the welfare of Nigerians returning from abroad under organised frameworks.

He added that the initiative reflects ongoing collaboration between Nigerian authorities and international partners aimed at ensuring the safe reintegration of returnees into their communities.

Authorities also noted that the programme includes post-arrival support measures, which may involve referrals for psychosocial support, transportation assistance, and reintegration guidance to help returnees resettle productively.

Officials stressed that the voluntary return initiative is part of broader migration management efforts and diplomatic engagements designed to support Nigerians abroad while ensuring their dignity and safety.

The arrival of the 270 returnees comes amid continued concerns over xenophobic tensions in South Africa, which have previously affected foreign nationals, including Nigerians, prompting periodic evacuation and return programmes.

Xenophobia: FG Receives 270 Nigerians Returning Voluntarily from South Africa