As Nigerians commemorate Democracy Day, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, has called on citizens, corporate organisations, state governments, faith-based institutions, community leaders and development partners to support the successful reintegration of 258 Nigerians recently repatriated from South Africa, describing the effort as a collective national responsibility.
Dr. Doro said Democracy Day should not only be a celebration of democratic governance and constitutional freedoms but also a time for Nigerians to reflect on values such as compassion, solidarity, inclusion and shared responsibility.
According to him, one of the strongest expressions of democracy is the ability of citizens to care for one another, particularly those facing difficult circumstances.
“A society is ultimately judged not only by the strength of its institutions but by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. As we celebrate our democratic journey, we must recommit ourselves to the values of empathy, unity and shared responsibility that make national progress possible,” he said.
The Minister made the appeal following the arrival of 258 Nigerian returnees from South Africa at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a chartered Air Peace flight facilitated by the Federal Government.
Dr. Doro, who joined other government officials to receive the returnees, noted that while the Federal Government had taken significant steps to facilitate their safe and dignified return, rebuilding their lives would require broader support from society.
“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 partner in restoring dignity, rebuilding lives and creating opportunities for our people,” he said.
He observed that many of the returnees had endured difficult experiences and sudden disruptions to their livelihoods, stressing the need for collective efforts to help them recover and regain stability.
The Minister expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians at home and abroad, noting that the successful return exercise reflected the administration’s determination to ensure that no citizen is abandoned.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated a strong commitment to the welfare of Nigerians wherever they may be. The successful return of these citizens reinforces the principle that every Nigerian matters,” he stated.
Dr. Doro described the return of the Nigerians as the beginning of a new phase focused on reintegration, recovery and renewed opportunities. He urged families, employers, faith-based organisations, communities and civil society groups to assist the returnees as they settle back into society.
He noted that beyond the immediate reception, health screening, profiling and documentation processes, efforts were already underway to provide humanitarian assistance and establish strategic partnerships aimed at supporting their economic and social recovery.
According to findings from the profiling exercise, most of the returnees migrated primarily for socioeconomic reasons, highlighting the need for sustained investments in job creation, skills development, economic empowerment and social protection programmes.
“The experiences of these returnees remind us of the importance of creating opportunities at home while strengthening systems that protect vulnerable populations and support sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
The Minister added that interventions already provided include livelihood starter packs, financial support packages and other forms of assistance designed to help beneficiaries regain economic independence. Additional support, he said, has come through partnerships with private sector organisations, philanthropic groups and state-level initiatives.
Dr. Doro commended the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) for coordinating the reception, profiling and reintegration process. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Port Health Services, Air Peace and other stakeholders involved in the exercise.
Reaffirming his commitment to strengthening reintegration systems and expanding partnerships, the Minister said the government would continue to pursue sustainable pathways from vulnerability to resilience in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“As we welcome our brothers and sisters home, we must remain focused on restoring dignity, rebuilding lives and ensuring that every Nigerian has access to opportunities that enable them to thrive.
“Democracy is strongest when citizens care for one another. Let this Democracy Day remind us that nation-building is not only the responsibility of government but of all Nigerians.
Together, we can create a society where no one is left behind and where every citizen has the opportunity to succeed and prosper,” he said.
