Federal government steps up evacuation as traumatised returnees recount ordeal in Johannesburg and Pretoria

The federal government has evacuated 189 Nigerians from South Africa following renewed outbreaks of xenophobic violence in Johannesburg and Pretoria, with the latest flight arriving at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday. The evacuation exercise comes after several Nigerian-owned businesses were reportedly attacked and looted by mobs targeting foreign nationals earlier this week.

According to officials who oversaw the operation, the returnees included women, children, and men who had been stranded after losing their homes and livelihoods. Many shared stories of traumatic experiences in South Africa, with some describing nights spent hiding from armed gangs. Authorities said the evacuation was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria and support from private airlines.

The wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa has been a recurring challenge for Nigerian migrants over the past decade, straining diplomatic relations between both countries. Many Nigerians living in affected areas have reported harassment, property loss, and threats to their safety, prompting calls for stronger intervention by Nigerian authorities. The government said the latest evacuation was necessary to safeguard citizens facing immediate danger.

A statement issued by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), confirmed that more flights may be arranged if violence persists. “Our focus is to ensure every Nigerian who wants to leave is assisted promptly,” Dabiri-Erewa said. She urged South African authorities to do more to protect foreign nationals and prevent future incidents.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised Nigerians still residing in volatile parts of South Africa to remain vigilant and report any threats to the nearest embassy or consulate. Officials also stated that reintegration support will be provided for returnees as they settle back home.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/886996-xenophobia-evacuations-nigerian-returnee-recounts-traumatic-experiences-in-south-africa-as-nigeria-evacuates-citizens.html

Telecoms giant and Imo State move to assist Nigerians returning from South Africa following xenophobic attacks

MTN Nigeria has announced plans to provide both cash and airtime assistance to Nigerian citizens returning from South Africa due to recent xenophobic violence. The initiative, revealed on Thursday, comes alongside a separate promise by the Imo State Government to give ₦1 million each to indigenes affected by the evacuations.

The support measures were made public as the country continues to receive evacuees from South Africa, following a series of violent incidents targeting foreign nationals in major cities. MTN’s gesture aims to help ease the reintegration process for affected Nigerians, many of whom lost their livelihoods or property in the attacks. In a statement, MTN said it would distribute undisclosed cash sums and airtime credits directly to returnees upon arrival.

The Imo State Government also announced a special relief package for its citizens who were evacuated. According to the statement, each Imo indigene returning home will receive ₦1 million as part of an empowerment programme designed to help them start afresh. Authorities say the initiative is meant to cushion the immediate economic impact faced by those forced out of South Africa due to xenophobic violence.

Xenophobia-related violence in South Africa has led to diplomatic tensions with several African countries. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs facilitated evacuation flights, with hundreds of returnees arriving in Lagos and Abuja in recent days. Many of the evacuees have narrated ordeals of losing businesses and being targeted because of their nationality.

MTN Nigeria’s intervention follows public scrutiny over its parent company’s operations in South Africa. The company said its support for returnees is part of ongoing efforts “to stand with Nigerians during challenging times.” Meanwhile, Imo officials stated that details on how beneficiaries can access the ₦1 million grant will be communicated through designated state offices in Owerri.

With further flights expected in coming weeks, government agencies say they are working with private sector partners and state governments across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to offer support packages tailored to local needs.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/886989-xenophobia-evacuations-mtn-to-donate-cash-airtime-to-returnees-as-imo-govt-promises-indigenes-n1m.html

Upper chamber withdraws earlier order summoning ex-NNPC chief Mele Kyari in Abuja over missing funds allegations

The Senate on Thursday in Abuja nullified its previous directive seeking the arrest of former Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over an alleged ₦210 trillion missing oil revenue. The decision followed a review of the committee’s earlier resolution that had threatened legal action against Kyari if he failed to appear before lawmakers.

Senators had initially issued a summon after concerns were raised about the whereabouts of ₦210 trillion reportedly accrued from crude oil sales, sparking public debate over transparency in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. However, during plenary on Thursday, the chamber resolved to set aside the arrest order and continue its probe through conventional legislative channels.

The issue of alleged missing oil revenue has drawn significant attention, especially as Nigeria faces mounting fiscal pressures and declining foreign reserves. The controversy emerged when a Senate committee investigating crude oil receipts claimed that huge sums had not been properly accounted for by NNPCL under Kyari’s leadership. The matter has become a focal point for calls for accountability within the oil and gas sector.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio (APC, Akwa Ibom North-West) said at the session that “the Senate must follow due process” in addressing the matter, adding that further actions will be based on findings from ongoing investigations. No official statement was immediately released by Kyari or NNPCL regarding the Senate’s latest decision.

With this development, the Senate is expected to proceed with its inquiry into crude oil sales and remittances, focusing on ensuring proper oversight rather than punitive measures. Stakeholders in the sector have called for transparent handling of public resources to rebuild trust among Nigerians.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/886877-updated-missing-%e2%82%a6210-trillion-senate-nullifies-arrest-threat-against-ex-md-kyari.html