Imo State Offers N1m to Nigerians Evacuated from South Africa

Following the escalation of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the Nigerian government has facilitated the evacuation of its citizens. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, announced that 262 Nigerians returned on the first evacuation flight.

Upon their arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, each returnee received N1 million from the Imo State government, led by Governor Hope Uzodinma. Additionally, telecom giant MTN provided N100,000 and a starter pack with N50,000 airtime to help the returnees reconnect and settle back in Nigeria.

The National Emergency Management Agency also offered transport support, while a real estate firm provided financial assistance to the returnees. Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the need for the Nigerian government to continue engaging with returnees to identify their skills and determine the best support for the second batch of Nigerians expected to depart South Africa on June 15.