Returnees from South Africa to receive training, jobs, business support under NIHOTOUR initiative

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Nigerian Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has launched a “Welcome Home” programme aimed at supporting Nigerian citizens returning from South Africa, providing immediate assistance, skills development, business support and employment opportunities as part of efforts to ease their reintegration into society.

The initiative was unveiled at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, following the repatriation of hundreds of Nigerians who returned on emergency flights after xenophobic violence and anti-migrant tensions in South Africa.

According to NIHOTOUR, the pilot programme was developed in partnership with X3M Ideas to ensure that returning Nigerians receive practical support immediately upon arrival, rather than mere expressions of sympathy.

Speaking on the initiative, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHOTOUR, Abisoye Fagade, said the programme reflects the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda by restoring dignity and creating opportunities for returning citizens.

“They said go home. We say welcome home,” Fagade declared.

He explained that the message displayed at the gateway to Lagos represents more than a symbolic gesture, describing it as a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to receiving its citizens with compassion and practical support.

Under the programme, returnees are ushered through a specially branded Welcome Corridor at MMIA, separate from the regular immigration process, where they receive immediate assistance.

Each returnee is also issued a Returnee Card that provides a complimentary first night’s stay at selected partner hotels, transportation support and fast-tracked business registration services.

In addition, NIHOTOUR is offering free hospitality and tourism training programmes, professional certification and job placement opportunities to equip returnees with employable skills.

Those interested in entrepreneurship will also have access to business development support and capital assistance to help establish or expand their ventures.

Fagade said the initiative transforms a difficult experience into an opportunity for economic empowerment.

“This is renewed hope in action. We are turning a difficult moment into real opportunity, right here at home, for Nigerians, by Nigerians,” he said.

As part of the programme, NIHOTOUR has also established a Restart Desk to assist returnee entrepreneurs and skilled workers with business registration, employment referrals and other reintegration services.

The agency further announced the creation of a Homecoming Counter that will publicly monitor the number of returnees received, businesses restarted and employment opportunities facilitated through the initiative.

Commenting on the collaboration, Steve Babaeko, Group CEO and Chief Creative Officer of X3M Ideas, said the project was conceived as a practical response to the needs of Nigerians returning home rather than as a publicity campaign.

“This wasn’t built as a campaign about a crisis. It was a hospitality agency deciding what it owes its own citizens, the moment they land,” Babaeko said.
NIHOTOUR said the Welcome Home programme is currently being piloted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and will be assessed for possible expansion to other airports across Nigeria based on the outcome of the pilot phase.