The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, has called on Nigerians, corporate organisations, state governments, faith-based institutions, community leaders, and development partners to support the reintegration of 258 Nigerians recently returned from South Africa.
Doro made the appeal on Friday, saying that while Nigeria celebrates its democratic progress, citizens must also embrace values of compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility.
The minister said the returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos aboard a chartered Air Peace flight facilitated by the Federal Government.
According to him, the returnees require collective support to successfully rebuild their lives and regain economic stability.
He explained that the government has already provided initial assistance, including reception, profiling, health screening, and documentation. However, he stressed that long-term reintegration would require support from various sectors of society.
“The government cannot do it alone. We welcome the support of the private sector, development organisations, philanthropic institutions, state governments and citizens who are willing to help restore dignity, rebuild lives and create opportunities,” Doro said.
The minister noted that democracy extends beyond elections and political institutions, adding that it is also reflected in how society cares for vulnerable citizens and those facing difficult circumstances.
He said many of the returnees experienced disruptions to their livelihoods and would need emotional, social, and economic support to recover and become self-reliant.
“As we celebrate our democratic journey, we must also recommit ourselves to empathy, unity and shared responsibility,” he added.
Doro disclosed that reintegration efforts would include humanitarian support and economic empowerment programmes designed to help beneficiaries regain independence and improve their living conditions.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians both within and outside the country, describing the evacuation exercise as part of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister acknowledged the contributions of several government agencies involved in the operation, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, National Emergency Management Agency, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigeria Immigration Service, Port Health Services, and Air Peace.
Doro urged Nigerians to welcome the returnees and contribute to their successful reintegration, stressing that nation-building requires collective effort.
“Democracy is strongest when citizens care for one another,” he said.
