Nigerians Share South Africa Ordeal at NiDCOM Summit

At the 2026 National Diaspora Day Youth Empowerment Summit in Abuja, two Nigerians recently evacuated from South Africa recounted their experiences of discrimination, financial hardship, and bureaucratic obstacles. The event was organized by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), led by Chairman/CEO Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who urged Nigerian youths to believe in themselves and embrace leadership.

One returnee, a chemical engineering student, shared how he balanced his studies with a tutoring business before returning to Nigeria, expressing a desire to complete his education and work in the power and petroleum sectors. Another returnee, Mrs Maria Adeyemi, described challenges including documentation issues and financial losses, thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for facilitating their evacuation.

She plans to open a restaurant in Nigeria. Dabiri-Erewa assured the returnees of NiDCOM's support for their reintegration and emphasized the importance of mentorship and youth empowerment.