By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Nigerian returnees numbering 83 have arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, from Johannesburg, South Africa, aboard a South African Airways flight.
The returnees, who were accompanied by two officials of the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, arrived in Nigeria as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to facilitate the safe return of its citizens abroad.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the repatriation exercise was facilitated through the procurement of flight tickets by private individuals who voluntarily supported the return of the Nigerians.
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.
They were subsequently handed over to relevant government agencies for documentation and profiling ahead of their reunification with their families.
The Ministry said the Federal Government remained committed to the welfare and safe return of Nigerian citizens abroad.
It also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, the private individuals who sponsored the repatriation exercise, and all government agencies involved in ensuring the smooth reception and reintegration of the returnees.
