In continuation of Federal Government’s evacuation of stranded Nigerian citizens from the internal conflict in Sudan, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) today airlifted 836 Nigerians back home in line the mandate that empower the Agency to evacuate Nigerians in distress abroad back to the safety at home.
A total of three flights that conveyed the returnees arrived at the Pilgrim’s wing of the Nnamdi Arzikiwe International Airport Abuja as they were officially received on behalf of the President by the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Dr Nasir Sani Gwarzo and the Director General NEMA Mustapha Habib Ahmed. Also present at the reception were representatives of the Foreign Affairs Minister, Honourable Federal Commissioner NCFRMI Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Reps of Nigerian in Diaspora Commission, NAPTIP and other relevant agencies.
Breakdown of the flights indicate that Max Air airline conveyed 410 returnees and Azman Air 324 from Aswan, Egypt; while Tarco Aviation airlifted 102 from Port Sudan.
After profiling and clearance by the Nigerian Immigration Service, the returnees were served with meals and given tokens to assist them to their various locations. A philanthropic organization, Dangote Foundation distributed to the returned token worth N100,000 for cashing at bank and dignity kits for each of them. Furthermore, telecom giant, MTN gifted each of them with sim cards with N25,000 worth airtime and 2GB data.
The returnees appreciated the Federal Government, especially President Muhammadu Buhari, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and NEMA for the kind gesture and bringing them back home to safety in dignity. A returnee Mohammed Nura Bello who is medical student in Sudan spoke on behalf of the others.
Highlight of the reception was rendition of the Nigerian National Anthem by the elated returnees in appreciation to Federal Government for the concerns and successful airlifting of them back home to safety in dignity.
7th May 2023
