The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos Operations Office, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, successfully coordinated the reception of the seventh batch of Nigerian nationals who voluntarily returned from the Republic of South Africa under the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme.

The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Cargo Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, at approximately 11:25 hours aboard an Air Peace chartered aircraft with registration number 5N-BWI.

A total of 305 returnees were received and processed upon arrival, bringing the cumulative number of Nigerians received under the ongoing voluntary repatriation programme to 1,516.

Upon arrival, NEMA, in collaboration with partner agencies, conducted documentation, identity verification and health screening to ensure a smooth and orderly reception before the returnees were cleared for onward movement.

The exercise involved the coordinated efforts of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), security agencies and other relevant stakeholders, whose collaboration ensured the successful conduct of the operation.

Following the completion of all reception formalities, NEMA coordinated the transportation of the returnees to their designated destinations, while security agencies maintained a safe and secure environment throughout the exercise.

The successful reception of the seventh batch of returnees underscores the Federal Government’s continued commitment, in partnership with relevant stakeholders, to ensuring the safe, orderly and dignified return and reintegration of Nigerians returning from abroad.