Nigeria Supports Return of 266 Stranded Citizens from S’Africa

The Nigerian government has approved support for 266 stranded Nigerians returning from South Africa, with the return facilitated by Air Peace Airlines. The returnees arrived safely at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on a Friday.

This initiative is part of a broader evacuation exercise directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ensuring the safe and dignified return of Nigerians facing difficulties abroad. The Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) announced a financial grant of 1 million naira for the returnees from Imo State, courtesy of Governor Hope Uzodimma.

MTN Nigeria contributed free SIM cards and data valued at 50,000 naira, along with an additional 100,000 naira credit for the returnees' bank accounts. The Edo and Delta State governments also announced support packages for their indigenes.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NIDCOM's Chairman/CEO, and Dipo Odebowale, a NIDCOM representative, emphasized the importance of state support in this initiative. The returnees expressed gratitude for the assistance provided.