NEWS
Abia State Govt. Approves ₦1m Each for 130 South Africa Returnees, ₦2m for Families of Xenophobic Attack Victims
Abia State Govt. Approves ₦1m Each for 130 South Africa Returnees, ₦2m for Families of Xenophobic Attack Victims
The Abia State Government has approved ₦1 million emergency financial assistance for each of 130 eligible Abians returning from South Africa, alongside ₦2 million for each family of Abians who lost their loved ones during xenophobic attacks in the country.
The intervention, approved by Governor Alex Otti, is part of the state government’s efforts to support affected citizens, facilitate their safe return, ease their resettlement and provide financial relief to families who suffered losses during the violent attacks.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed the development on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
According to the Commissioner, the latest approval builds on the financial assistance previously extended to 31 returnees, who received ₦1 million each. With the additional beneficiaries, more than 160 returnees are expected to benefit from the emergency financial intervention, including those who independently financed their journey back to Nigeria.
Every second brings Nigerians closer to exercising their democratic right and shaping the future of our nation.
Exercise your democratic right responsibly, peacefully and lawfully.
Prince Kanu explained that the approval covers several aspects of the evacuation and reintegration process, including the screening of stranded Abians, transportation to their respective destinations upon arrival in Nigeria, and direct financial support to help them begin rebuilding their lives.
Channel
He said the initiative reflects Governor Otti’s commitment to ensuring that Abians affected by the xenophobic attacks are not abandoned but receive the necessary support to return home safely and reintegrate into their communities.
“In its bid to give a sense of belonging and help resettle stranded Abia Returnees from the Republic of South Africa, the Abia State Governor has granted approval to the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection the release of funds for the evacuation and reintegration of Abians affected by genophobic attacks in South Africa.
“The approval includes, amongst others, one, the cost of screening and a lifting hundreds stranded Abians from South Africa.
“Two, the cost of transporting the Returnees to their respective and final destinations upon arrival in Nigeria.
“Three, the disbursement of 1 million Naira each to 130 eligible Returnees, including self-funded Returnees. This is in addition to the earlier assistance to 31 Returnees who were advanced 1 million Naira each.
“Over 160 Returnees will now receive the emergency 1 million Naira financial support in another month or two.
“Number four, 2 million Naira support for each family of diseased persons who passed on during the violent attacks in South Africa.
“The 100 Returnees are expected in the country sometime in November, at a date that will be communicated to you in due course,” Prince Kanu stated.
The Commissioner further disclosed that another group of returnees is expected to arrive in Nigeria sometime in November, although the specific date will be communicated to the public in due course.
He explained that the government was making arrangements to ensure that the returning Abians are properly received, transported to their final destinations and supported as they reunite with their families.
The financial assistance is also expected to provide immediate relief to beneficiaries as they settle back into their communities and explore opportunities to restore their livelihoods after the difficult circumstances that necessitated their return from South Africa.
Beyond the immediate financial intervention, the state government is also placing emphasis on the welfare of families affected by the deaths of their loved ones during the attacks. Under the approved arrangement, each eligible bereaved family will receive ₦2 million to help cushion the impact of the tragedy.
Prince Kanu noted that the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection had already coordinated the reception of 12 returnees who arrived in three separate batches.
The exercise included returnees who received assistance from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), with the ministry facilitating their reunion with family members in different parts of Abia State and beyond.
The development underscores the importance of collaboration between the state government, religious organisations and other stakeholders in providing assistance to citizens affected by emergencies and humanitarian challenges.
By coordinating the reception and family reunification process, the ministry has continued to support the returnees beyond their physical arrival in Nigeria, helping them reconnect with their loved ones and begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
In a further demonstration of the government’s commitment to the welfare of the returnees, Prince Kanu disclosed that the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection was developing a comprehensive, long-term reintegration plan in line with Governor Otti’s directive.
The proposed plan is expected to address the beneficiaries’ livelihood needs, economic empowerment and other challenges associated with returning home after experiencing the difficulties surrounding their departure from South Africa. The initiative is designed to extend government support beyond the initial emergency payments by exploring ways to help the returnees regain economic stability and reintegrate into society.
For many of the affected citizens, returning home represents only the first stage of a longer journey towards recovery. Access to financial support, sustainable livelihood opportunities and family assistance will therefore be important in helping them establish a stable future.
The government’s approach combines emergency relief with plans for longer-term support, reflecting the need to address both the immediate consequences of the attacks and the socioeconomic difficulties that returnees may face after arriving home.
With the latest approval, the Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting affected Abians, providing assistance to bereaved families and establishing a framework for the successful reintegration of citizens returning from South Africa.
The implementation of the approved measures, alongside the proposed reintegration programme, is expected to provide further assistance to the beneficiaries in the coming weeks and months.
DO YOU WANT TO WHISTLEBLOW, REPORT FRAUD, THEFT OR INJUSTICE OR INTIMIDATION? SEND US YOUR STORY/REPORT TO NEWSDESK@MEDIATODAY.NG
