LAGOS — Sixty-seven Nigerians have returned from South Africa following a privately sponsored repatriation, with each returnee receiving ₦50,000 in immediate financial assistance to support their resettlement.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday night, August 26, 2026, aboard a South African Airways flight from Johannesburg. The repatriation was facilitated by private individuals and philanthropists.
The latest return brings to 150 the number of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa through the private sponsorship initiative, following an earlier group of 83 returnees.
Representatives of the sponsoring group, coordinator Ikem Ume-Ezeoke and businessman and philanthropist Chief Charles Mba, welcomed the returnees and distributed ₦50,000 to each person.
Mba urged the returnees to remain patriotic, comply with the procedures of relevant government agencies and concentrate on rebuilding their lives in Nigeria.
Addressing the returnees, particularly the children among them, Mba encouraged them to remain focused on their future and take advantage of opportunities available in Nigeria.
“No hope is lost,” Mba said, urging the returnees not to allow their experiences in South Africa to undermine their future.
Private sponsors expand repatriation effort
Ume-Ezeoke commended previous efforts by the Federal Government to facilitate the safe return of Nigerians from abroad.
He also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential and encouraged the returnees to contribute to the country’s development.
The latest repatriation forms part of continuing private-sector assistance to Nigerians seeking to return home from South Africa.
The returnees are among Nigerians who opted for voluntary repatriation amid concerns over attacks and anti-immigrant hostility affecting African migrants in South Africa.
Government, private groups support returnees
The private-sponsored flights complement Federal Government-led repatriation efforts that have brought back more than 1,400 Nigerians since June 2026, according to the information provided on the exercise.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has previously highlighted the role of private individuals in facilitating commercial-flight repatriations after the main phase of government-sponsored Air Peace charter flights ended.
Government agencies involved in the process typically handle documentation, profiling and initial reception of returnees, with the aim of supporting family reunification and reintegration.
The latest arrival underscores the continuing collaboration between government agencies, private sponsors and diaspora support networks to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Nigerians from abroad.
