Evacuated Nigerians Receive Financial Aid and Resettlement Support Following South Africa Xenophobic Attacks

The federal government and private sector partners have rolled out a comprehensive emergency support package for the first wave of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa due to intensifying xenophobic violence.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), detailed the relief measures following the arrival of 262 returnees at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. She strongly defended the displaced citizens, emphasizing that they were peaceful migrants targeted solely because of their nationality and skin color.

Upon arrival, the returnees received immediate financial, logistical, and administrative assistance from a coalition of corporate organizations and government bodies. Telecom giant MTN provided each individual with ₦100,000 in cash, alongside ₦50,000 worth of airtime and mobile starter packs to facilitate immediate communication. Additionally, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma donated ₦1 million each to all returnees who are indigenes of Imo State to aid their long-term resettlement.

The National Emergency Management Agency managed onward transportation logistics, while a real estate firm provided additional financial grants. To assist with legal identification, the National Identity Management Commission established an on-site center to fast-track essential identity documentation for those who lost their belongings.

The NiDCOM chief urged other state governors to follow Imo State’s blueprint by providing targeted financial buffers for their respective citizens. She added that the federal government is launching a skills-assessment registry to properly integrate the returnees into local economic sectors.

The repatriation efforts are expected to scale up quickly, as more than 1,000 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation out of South Africa. A second major transit flight is scheduled to depart on Monday, June 15, 2026.