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.
- +Democracy Day: Minister seeks support for 258 returnees from South Africa
Doro made the appeal on Friday, stressing that beyond celebrating democratic governance, Nigerians must also reflect on values such as compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility.
Doro made the appeal on Friday, stressing that beyond celebrating democratic governance, Nigerians must also reflect on values such as compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility.
He said the returnees, who arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a chartered Air Peace flight facilitated by the Federal Government, require collective support to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
According to the minister, while the government has provided initial assistance including reception, profiling, health screening and documentation, sustainable reintegration will depend on broader societal involvement.
“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,” he said.
Doro noted that democracy is not only defined by institutions and elections, but also by how society treats vulnerable citizens and those facing difficult circumstances.
He explained that many of the returnees experienced disruption to their livelihoods and would need support systems to help them recover emotionally and economically.
“As we celebrate our democratic journey, we must also recommit ourselves to empathy, unity and shared responsibility,” he added.
The minister said reintegration efforts would include humanitarian assistance and economic empowerment programmes aimed at helping beneficiaries regain stability and independence.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad, describing the evacuation as part of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Doro acknowledged the roles of agencies involved in the exercise, 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.
He urged Nigerians to embrace the returnees and support their reintegration, stressing that nation-building is a collective responsibility.
“Democracy is strongest when citizens care for one another,” he said.
