The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has announced plans to provide coordinated psychosocial and socioeconomic reintegration support for Nigerians recently repatriated from South Africa.
According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Federal Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of NCFRMI, Dr. Tijani Ahmed, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja, saying the Federal Government’s intervention would go beyond facilitating the return of the affected Nigerians to supporting their recovery and reintegration.
Ahmed said the commission, in collaboration with relevant government agencies and stakeholders, had received an additional 305 Nigerian returnees from South Africa.
He explained that the latest arrival was the fifth official chartered repatriation flight funded by the Federal Government.
According to him, the new arrivals bring the total number of returnees received since the exercise began on June 11 to 1,485, with the latest batch representing the largest single group received so far.
“The commission will begin reaching out to the returnees in batches over the coming days to provide mental health and psychosocial support and undertake further assessments of their individual needs,” he said.
Ahmed noted that returning after prolonged and often difficult migration experiences could expose individuals to emotional, social and economic challenges, making counselling, profiling and comprehensive needs assessments essential for sustainable reintegration.
He explained that the assessments would enable the commission and its partners to understand the vulnerabilities, skills, family circumstances and livelihood needs of each returnee before linking them to appropriate support programmes.
“The Federal Government is committed not only to ensuring the safe and dignified return of Nigerians but also to supporting them as they rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their families and communities,” he said.
Ahmed added that eligible returnees would be enrolled in relevant programmes of the commission after completing the psychosocial support and assessment process.
He said beneficiaries would also be referred to sister agencies responsible for skills development, employment, entrepreneurship and livelihood support.
The NCFRMI boss identified the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, the Industrial Training Fund and the National Directorate of Employment among key partners expected to support the reintegration process, alongside other government institutions, private sector organisations and development partners.
He explained that the reintegration programme would be implemented in phases to ensure interventions are properly coordinated and tailored to the needs of the returnees.
Ahmed reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to working with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, state governments, international organisations, civil society organisations and the private sector to strengthen reintegration efforts and reduce the risk of unsafe remigration.
He also commended stakeholders involved in the reception exercise, including agencies responsible for immigration clearance, emergency assistance, airport facilitation, profiling, documentation and onward transportation.
The NCFRMI chief assured the returnees of the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting their dignity and supporting their successful social and economic reintegration into Nigerian society.
Leave a comment