By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Federal Government has welcomed 270 Nigerian citizens who returned from South Africa under an ongoing voluntary return initiative coordinated through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The development was announced in a statement issued by the Head of Operations at the NEMA Lagos Operations Office, Mohammed Olatunde, and made available to journalists in Lagos on Thursday.
According to Olatunde, the returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja after completing registration and screening procedures required under the programme.
He said officials of NEMA, alongside representatives of other government agencies and relevant stakeholders, were present at the airport to receive the returnees and assist with their reintegration process.
Olatunde explained that the Federal Government arranged transportation for the returnees to enable them to travel to their various destinations across the country.
He added that ambulance services and emergency medical support were also provided for individuals who required urgent healthcare attention upon arrival.
The NEMA official reiterated the agency’s commitment to offering humanitarian assistance and ensuring the safe reception of Nigerians who choose to return home from other countries.
He noted that the initiative was established to guarantee the safe, orderly and dignified return of Nigerian citizens.
Olatunde further stated that NEMA would continue working with relevant stakeholders to support the welfare and reintegration of the returnees.
The returnees arrived amid ongoing concerns over xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa. The voluntary return programme is aimed at assisting Nigerians who wish to come back home. (NAN)