Evacuated Nigerians receive N1m from Imo govt, N100,000 MTN cash amid xenophobia support

The first batch of 262 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa amid escalating xenophobic attacks has received a range of support from government agencies and private sector entities. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), detailed the assistance provided upon their arrival at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.

Dabiri-Erewa highlighted that the returnees, described as migrants targeted solely for their skin color, received N100,000 each, along with N50,000 in airtime and starter packs from telecommunications giant MTN. This support aims to help them reconnect and settle back into Nigeria. The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, made a significant contribution, donating N1 million to each indigene of his state among the returnees.

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I’ll tell you something about those 250 that came in. None of them committed any crime. The only crime they committed is the colour of their skin. They are migrants in South Africa.

Further assistance came from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which provided transportation support, and a real estate firm that offered financial aid. The National Identity Management Commission was also present to help returnees with essential identity documentation. Dabiri-Erewa urged other state governors to follow Uzodimma's example in supporting their indigenes. NiDCOM will continue to engage with the returnees to assess their skills and determine the best ways to support their reintegration. A second batch of evacuees is expected soon, with over 1,000 Nigerians having registered for voluntary return.

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Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, donated N1 million each to indigenes of the state among the returnees.