Under the intervention, each of the 31 returnees will receive N1 million as immediate financial assistance to cushion the impact of their return and provide temporary relief as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
The state government described the payment as an interim support measure designed to reassure the affected returnees that they have not been abandoned in the aftermath of their ordeal.
According to the government, comprehensive profiling of the returnees is currently underway to establish their individual circumstances, vulnerabilities and socio-economic needs. The exercise is expected to guide the development of more targeted interventions aimed at facilitating their sustainable reintegration.
The administration said the profiling would also help determine appropriate social protection and livelihood support for the beneficiaries, taking into account their different experiences and circumstances.
The intervention, according to the statement, reflects Governor Otti's commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of Abians, particularly those facing difficult circumstances. It also underscores the administration's broader emphasis on ensuring that vulnerable citizens receive practical support that enables them to recover and regain economic stability.
The governor's gesture comes amid continuing efforts by Nigerian authorities to support citizens returning from South Africa following incidents of xenophobic attacks. The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons has also announced plans for psychosocial and socio-economic reintegration support for Nigerians repatriated from the country.
Beyond the immediate financial assistance, the Abia State Government said it would continue to pursue policies aimed at advancing the welfare and security of residents while creating an enabling environment for investment, economic growth and improved livelihoods.
The latest intervention further reinforces the administration's stated commitment to people-oriented governance, with the government stressing that every Abian, irrespective of circumstance, should have the opportunity to recover, rebuild and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.