The voluntary repatriation programme was heavily intensified following an escalation of anti-immigrant protests and rising xenophobic tensions in South Africa. A June 30th deadline issued by local anti-migrant groups had further heightened safety concerns.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved and funded the emergency flights, directing that the operations continue past the initial June deadline until all cleared, registered citizens were brought home safely.
The overall evacuation spanned multiple flights utilizing airlines like Air Peace and ValueJet. The final flight was closely coordinated through Ambassador Temitope Alexander-Ajayi, the Acting High Commissioner to South Africa.
To help the returnees resettle after losing businesses, properties, and livelihoods, the government and corporate bodies have provided immediate relief packages:
The Imo State Government provided ₦1 million each to returnees from its state.
Telecommunications giant MTN gifted ₦100,000 cash alongside free SIM packs loaded with ₦50,000 worth of data.
The JAAL Foundation pledged empowerment programmes for 50 women, while independent church organizations offered free accommodation, education support, and skills acquisition training.
By Olagunju, Success Taiwo
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