1,516 Nigerians Voluntarily Repatriated from South Africa

Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has successfully coordinated the voluntary repatriation of 1,516 vulnerable Nigerians from South Africa. The operation, which took place in seven batches between June 11 and July 15, was a collaborative effort involving various Nigerian government bodies and partners.

The repatriation involved the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. Other key participants included the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the National Identity Management Commission, Port Health Services, security agencies, and MTN.

Returnees arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos aboard Air Peace and South African Airways flights. The first group of 258 arrived on June 11, followed by subsequent batches with varying numbers throughout June and July, culminating in the final group of 305 on July 15.

NEMA played a central role in coordinating the reception and onward movement of the returnees to their various destinations. The agency commended all stakeholders for their support in ensuring the exercise's success. NEMA also highlighted the efforts of its Lagos Operations Office, led by Zubaida Umar, in managing the reception and processing. The agency reiterated its dedication to providing humanitarian support during emergency evacuations and repatriation efforts.