The Federal Government has urged state governments to support Nigerians returning from South Africa amid renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the appeal as another 83 Nigerians were evacuated from South Africa, bringing the total number of Nigerians repatriated from the country under the voluntary return programme to 1,573.
The minister called on state governments to complement the Federal Government’s emergency efforts by assisting their returning indigenes with relocation and resettlement.
She stressed that Nigerians who are forced to leave their homes and businesses abroad should not be left to face an uncertain future after returning home.
States Asked to Assist Returnees
Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended Imo, Abia and Enugu states for taking steps to support their citizens returning from South Africa.
Imo State has commenced the payment of N1 million each to returning indigenes, while Abia State approved N1 million each for 31 verified returnees from the state.
The Enugu State Government has also expressed its commitment to supporting the evacuation and reintegration of stranded indigenes.
The minister urged other states to follow their example and provide assistance to citizens who have lost businesses, properties or sources of livelihood as a result of the situation in South Africa.
83 More Nigerians Return Home
The latest group of returnees includes Nigerians from Anambra, Ondo, Imo, Oyo, Enugu, Ogun, Abia, Osun, Delta, Kwara and Ekiti states.
The evacuation was made possible through the intervention of private individuals who sponsored the air tickets of the returnees. The same group has also committed to funding another batch of Nigerians who no longer feel safe in South Africa and wish to return home.
The Federal Government welcomed the private intervention, describing it as an example of how government, individuals and organisations can work together during emergencies involving Nigerians abroad.
The latest evacuation follows an earlier government-led repatriation exercise during which nearly 1,490 Nigerians were brought back from South Africa amid concerns over attacks and discrimination against foreign nationals.
The Federal Government said it would continue diplomatic efforts to protect Nigerians abroad while working with relevant authorities and communities to address concerns surrounding their safety.
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