FG Receives 270 Nigerian Returnees From South Africa

The Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency, has received 270 Nigerian returnees from South Africa under the ongoing voluntary return programme.

The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, after completing the required registration and screening processes for the programme.

NEMA disclosed this in a statement signed by the Head of Operations, NEMA Lagos Operations Office, Mohammed Olatunde, and made available to journalists in Lagos.

Olatunde said officials of NEMA, other government agencies and relevant stakeholders were at the airport to receive the returnees and ensure a smooth arrival process.

According to him, the returnees were Nigerians who voluntarily registered to come back home from South Africa and had been cleared after the necessary screening.

He said the exercise was part of efforts by the Federal Government to ensure that Nigerians who choose to return from abroad are received in a safe, orderly and dignified manner.

The NEMA official said the Federal Government made transportation arrangements to convey the returnees to their various destinations across the country.

He added that ambulance services and emergency medical support were also provided for those who required immediate medical attention on arrival.

Olatunde said the presence of emergency responders and other stakeholders was necessary to ensure that vulnerable returnees received prompt care and assistance.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to providing humanitarian support to Nigerians returning from abroad under voluntary return arrangements.

Olatunde said NEMA would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to support the welfare and reintegration of the returnees into their communities.

He noted that the programme was designed not only to bring citizens home safely but also to protect their dignity throughout the return process.

According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to assisting Nigerian citizens who voluntarily decide to return home from foreign countries.