CHELD and CSOnetMADE Support the Return of Nigerians from South Africa
The aircraft touched down in the early hours of the morning. On board, over 200 Nigerians walked off a flight from South Africa. Many were clutching bags they had packed in a hurry, some with children pressed close to their sides, nearly all of them carrying the weight of a journey that came with an unanticipated end. In the months preceding their departure from South Africa, the hostility directed at foreign nationals had grown impossible to ignore. Attacks on Nigerian enterprises, rising insecurity, and an atmosphere in which simply existing as a Nigerian had become a source of danger. When the Federal Government of Nigeria announced five evacuation flights for those who wished to come home, more than 1,000 Nigerians grabbed the opportunity.
Being a Nigerian in South Africa had become a risk. More than 1,000 grabbed the chance to come home.
NCFRMI’s Leadership in Supporting Returning Nigerians
The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) played a central role in coordinating the reception of returning Nigerians from South Africa. Working with agencies including the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and civil society organisations, NCFRMI oversaw the registration and profiling of returnees while ensuring an organised and dignified reception. The exercise highlighted the Commission’s commitment to protecting returning Nigerians and strengthening coordination for their successful reintegration into society.
A Warm Welcome Back Home
CHELD, alongside fellow members of the Civil Society Network on Migration and Development (CSOnetMADE) Lagos, joined the reception of the first batch of Nigerians returning from South Africa. The reception was led through a coordinated, multi-agency response that ensured returnees were received in a safe, orderly and dignified manner.
Upon arrival, each person underwent registration and profiling to facilitate immediate assistance and inform subsequent reintegration support. Throughout the reception process, CSOnetMADE members worked alongside government officials to provide refreshments, share essential information on the reception and reintegration process, offer guidance to returnees, and support other humanitarian activities aimed at ensuring that every individual was welcomed with dignity, care and compassion. These efforts helped create a reassuring environment for returnees as they began the process of rebuilding their lives in Nigeria.
The reception reflected a clear governmental commitment to the protection of Nigerian citizens beyond the country’s borders.
Our Key Observations
Coordinated, multi-stakeholder responses of this nature are not simple. The reception demonstrated both the power of collaboration and the gaps that remain to be closed before Nigeria can say it has built a truly dignified return and reintegration system.
1. Disability Inclusion
There was limited evidence of specific arrangements for persons with disabilities during the reception process. This is a gap that cannot persist. Future exercises must incorporate targeted support mechanisms that account for the full range of vulnerabilities among returnees.
2. Coordination Among Actors
Though multiple agencies and organisations were present and active, clearer role definition and stronger inter-agency coordination would reduce duplication and sharpen the efficiency of the overall response.
3. The Need for a Unified Profiling Tool
Different actors used different data collection tools. A standardised, shared profiling instrument would harmonise information management and improve the quality of data generated.
4. Information for Returnees
Many returnees arrived without a clear picture of what the documentation and administrative process would involve. Accessible information disseminated through leaflets in addition to verbal briefings (multilingual where needed) should be made available from the moment of arrival.
5. Documentation of Lessons Learned
Each reception exercise is an opportunity to learn. Enhanced documentation of what worked, what did not, and why is essential for accountability and continuity. This is how a stronger system is built over time.
Conclusion
More than 200 people came home on 12 June 2026. They returned with a melee of emotions and uncertainties. As Nigerian citizens, they deserved a dignified and welcoming reception, as well as sufficient reintegration support.
CHELD, through its membership in CSOnetMADE Lagos, was part of the effort to offer that. Notwithstanding, there is more work to do. Continued collaboration among stakeholders, strengthened coordination mechanisms, and a more inclusive and standardised approach to reception will further enhance the effectiveness of future return and reintegration responses.
CHELD is deeply grateful to its partners, donors, and supporters whose generosity continues to make interventions like this possible. We welcome individuals and organisations who would like to support or collaborate with us to reach out and join us in this work.