The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and other partners, has received 153 Nigerians who were voluntarily repatriated from Chad.
According to a statement released on Tuesday via NEMA’s official X handle, the returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 12:15 p.m. on Monday aboard an ASKY Airlines flight with registration number CAS-AC.
The returnees were brought back to the country under the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programme facilitated by the IOM in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
NEMA disclosed that the group consisted of 105 adults (63 males and 42 females), 45 children (25 males and 20 females), and three infants, all females.
Upon arrival, officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) conducted biometric registration and documentation to ensure accurate profiling and facilitate a smooth reintegration process.
“In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe, dignified, and humane return of citizens, the returnees were provided with immediate humanitarian assistance,” NEMA stated.
The assistance included food and potable water, medical support, ambulance services, logistics, luggage handling, and counselling to aid their recovery and reintegration.
The exercise was jointly coordinated by NEMA, the IOM, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and other relevant stakeholders.
NEMA emphasised that the seamless reception process demonstrates the government’s dedication to prioritising the welfare and dignity of Nigerians returning from abroad.
Over the years, NEMA, in partnership with IOM and other agencies, has facilitated the voluntary return and reintegration of thousands of Nigerians stranded across various countries, ensuring their safe transition back into society.
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