Reintegration: Nigeria Supports Repatriated Citizens from South Africa
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government calls for nationwide support as it begins reintegrating 258 Nigerians recently repatriated from South Africa, warning that successful recovery depends on coordinated action beyond state intervention.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, makes the appeal on Friday after the returnees arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a chartered Air Peace flight organised by the Federal Government.
Doro says the government has already provided immediate humanitarian assistance, including reception services, profiling, health screening and documentation. However, he stresses that long-term reintegration requires wider participation from private and public stakeholders.
“The government cannot do it alone. We welcome the support of the private sector, development organisations, philanthropic institutions, state governments and citizens who are willing to help restore dignity, rebuild lives and create opportunities,” he says.
The minister notes that many of the returnees suffer significant economic and social disruption, making structured reintegration programmes essential for their stability and future independence.
He urges corporate organisations, faith-based groups, development partners, community leaders and individuals to support efforts aimed at restoring livelihoods and ensuring sustainable reintegration.
Doro links the intervention to broader democratic values, stating that governance must extend beyond elections to include compassion and collective responsibility.
“As we celebrate our democratic journey, we must also recommit ourselves to empathy, unity and shared responsibility,” he says.
According to him, reintegration plans include humanitarian support packages and economic empowerment initiatives designed to help beneficiaries regain financial independence and social stability.
He commends President Bola Tinubu for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad, describing the evacuation and return exercise as consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister also acknowledges the contributions of multiple agencies involved in the operation, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigeria Immigration Service, Port Health Services and Air Peace.
Doro calls on Nigerians to welcome the returnees and support their reintegration, stressing that inclusive nation-building depends on shared responsibility.
“Democracy is strongest when citizens care for one another,” he adds.
The Federal Government says it will continue to coordinate reintegration programmes aimed at restoring dignity, stability and opportunity to affected Nigerians while strengthening diaspora engagement frameworks.
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Mirian Gom 
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