Dabiri-Erewa Speaks On Evacuation Of 258 Nigerians, Says “Their Only Offence Was Their Skin Colour

According to Ireporter Online, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has clarified that the 258 Nigerians recently evacuated from South Africa did not commit any offence, stressing that their situation was largely tied to xenophobic treatment and discrimination.

The Chairman of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made this known on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television, where she addressed the circumstances surrounding the evacuation exercise.

She expressed concern over the treatment of the returnees, stating that their only “offence” was being black migrants in South Africa. She further commended efforts that led to their safe return, including the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who ensured the evacuation was successfully carried out.

Dabiri-Erewa also revealed that support was provided to the returnees upon arrival, noting that telecommunications company MTN offered each of them ₦100,000 alongside ₦50,000 worth of airtime as part of immediate relief assistance.

She added that the process has now moved into the reintegration phase and described the evacuation as a result of coordinated multi-agency efforts. She further urged state governments to emulate the gesture of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, who reportedly gave ₦1 million to each indigene among the returnees to help them resettle.