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 repatriated from South Africa.
Speaking in commemoration of Democracy Day, Doro described the successful reintegration of the returnees as a collective national responsibility, urging stakeholders to demonstrate compassion and solidarity toward citizens returning home under difficult circumstances.
According to the minister, Democracy Day should serve not only as a celebration of democratic governance and constitutional freedoms but also as a reminder of the values of empathy, inclusion, and shared responsibility that unite Nigerians.
“One of the greatest expressions of democracy is our ability to care for one another. A society is judged not only by the strength of its institutions but also by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens,” Doro said.
The appeal follows the arrival of 258 Nigerian returnees from South Africa at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a chartered Air Peace flight arranged by the Federal Government as part of efforts to assist Nigerians facing challenges abroad and ensure their safe return.
Doro, who received the returnees alongside other government officials, noted that while the Federal Government had facilitated their return and initiated reintegration efforts, broader support from society would be crucial to helping them rebuild their lives.
“The government cannot do it alone. We welcome support from the private sector, development organisations, philanthropic institutions, state governments, and citizens willing to partner in restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and creating opportunities for our people,” he said.
He noted that many of the returnees had experienced significant disruptions to their livelihoods and personal lives and would require support to recover and reintegrate successfully.
The minister expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as the administration’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
According to him, the successful repatriation exercise reflects the government’s determination to ensure that no Nigerian is abandoned regardless of location.
Doro said the return of the citizens should be viewed not as the end of a difficult experience but as the beginning of a new phase focused on recovery, reintegration, and opportunity.
He urged families, communities, employers, faith-based organisations, and civil society groups to play active roles in supporting the returnees as they settle back into society.
“It is difficult for anyone to suddenly leave behind a place where they have built a livelihood, established relationships, and planned a future. The emotional impact extends beyond adults to children whose education and daily lives have also been disrupted,” he said.
Nigeria returnees from South Africa praising God as they stepped out of the plane.
The minister disclosed that beyond reception, health screening, profiling, and documentation, the government had commenced measures to facilitate the returnees’ economic and social reintegration through humanitarian assistance and strategic partnerships.
He revealed that profiling conducted after their arrival showed that most of the returnees had migrated primarily for socioeconomic reasons, underscoring the need for sustained investment in job creation, skills development, economic empowerment, and social protection programmes.
“The experiences of these returnees highlight the importance of creating opportunities at home while strengthening systems that protect vulnerable populations and support sustainable livelihoods,” Doro said.
He added that their experiences would provide valuable insights for shaping future government policies and interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of migration and vulnerability.
The minister commended organisations and individuals that had already provided assistance to the returnees, including livelihood starter packs, financial support, and other empowerment initiatives designed to help beneficiaries regain economic independence.
He described the interventions as practical demonstrations of national solidarity and collective responsibility.
Doro also praised the efforts of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) for coordinating the reception, profiling, and reintegration process.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Port Health Services, Air Peace, and other stakeholders involved in the exercise.
The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening reintegration systems, expanding partnerships, and promoting sustainable pathways from vulnerability to resilience in line with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“As we welcome our brothers and sisters home, we must remain focused on restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and ensuring that every Nigerian has access to opportunities that enable them to thrive,” Doro said.
Dr Bernard Doro, Honourable Minister Of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction (Middle) with other government agencies while receiving the Nigeria returnees from South Africa, in Abuja.
He added that Democracy Day should serve as a reminder that nation-building is a shared responsibility and that collective efforts are needed to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind.
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