37 Nigerians Return from Türkiye with Help from NEMA

'We encourage our compatriots to embrace this opportunity for a fresh start, remain law-abiding, and take advantage of available government support programmes aimed at facilitating their successful reintegration into society,' Pharm. Zakari Abubakar said.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has welcomed 37 Nigerian nationals who returned from the Republic of Türkiye.

The returnees arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja aboard a chartered aircraft. They were received by a team of officials from various government agencies, including the Nigerian Immigration Service, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, officials of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, airport authorities, and security agencies.

The Abuja Operations Office of NEMA activated a coordinated reception mechanism to ensure a seamless and dignified reception for the returnees. This included documentation, profiling, medical screening, and provision of immediate humanitarian assistance.

Speaking during the reception, Pharm. Zakari Abubakar, the Head of NEMA Abuja Operations Office, reaffirmed the agency's commitment to protecting the dignity and welfare of vulnerable persons. He thanked the participating agencies for their collaboration, emphasizing that coordinated efforts are critical to ensuring efficient reception and reintegration support for returning migrants.

This latest reception comes amid efforts by the Federal Government, through NEMA and other agencies, to coordinate the safe return and reintegration of distressed Nigerians from different countries.

In June, NEMA received 123 Nigerian returnees from Algeria, while 181 returnees were welcomed in April from Tripoli, Libya. These efforts demonstrate the government's commitment to reuniting Nigerians stranded abroad with their families and communities.

The returnees from Türkiye will undergo further reintegration processes, including biometric registration, documentation, and provision of humanitarian assistance. They will also receive support from government agencies to facilitate their successful reintegration into society.

NEMA's dedication to protecting the welfare and dignity of vulnerable persons reflects the agency's role as a frontline responder to humanitarian crises. By providing a coordinated and humane reception mechanism, NEMA ensures that returning migrants receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.

This story is also connected to Nigeria's diaspora community, many of whom have been affected by the ongoing migrant crisis. As Nigerians continue to return home, the government's efforts to provide support and reintegration services are crucial in helping them reintegrate into society.