By Gloria Ikibah
The Federal Government has confirmed the arrival of 83 Nigerian returnees from South Africa, describing the successful repatriation as another demonstration of its commitment to protecting the welfare of citizens living abroad.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday announced that the returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a South African Airways flight from Johannesburg. 
According to the ministry, the returnees were accompanied by two officials from the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg.
In a statement signed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government disclosed that the latest evacuation exercise was made possible through the intervention of private individuals who paid for the flight tickets.
“The Ministry wishes to reiterate the fact that the repatriation exercise of this batch of returnees was facilitated through the procurement of flight tickets by good-spirited private individuals, whose generous support enabled their safe return to Nigeria,” the statement said.
The ministry noted that upon arrival in Lagos, the returnees were officially received by the Director of the African Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Haruna Ali-Gombe, who welcomed them on behalf of the Federal Government.
Following their arrival, the returnees were handed over to the appropriate government agencies for documentation and profiling before being reunited with their families.
“Upon arrival, the returnees were received by the Director, African Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Haruna Ali-Gombe, who welcomed them on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Thereafter, they were handed over to the relevant Government Agencies for necessary documentation and profiling ahead of their reunification with their families,” the statement added.
The ministry expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, the private individuals who financed the operation and the agencies that coordinated the reception process.
It also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of Nigerians living overseas.
“The Federal Government remains committed to the welfare and safe return of all Nigerian citizens abroad and expresses profound appreciation to the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, the private individuals who sponsored the exercise, and all agencies involved in ensuring a smooth reception and reintegration process,” the ministry stated.
