The Nigerian Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has launched a “Welcome Home” pilot programme at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) to support Nigerian citizens returning from South Africa following xenophobic threats.
The initiative was activated in response to the repatriation of hundreds of Nigerians after anti-migrant groups issued a deadline for their departure on June 30, 2026. Rather than issuing a statement, NIHOTOUR partnered with creative agency X3M Ideas to create a tangible welcome system at the point of arrival.
“They said go home. We say welcome home,” said Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, Director General and CEO of NIHOTOUR. “That message, lit up at the gateway to Lagos for every Nigerian returning from South Africa, is more than a billboard; it is NIHOTOUR living out the Renewed Hope Agenda. From the gateway to the arrival hall at MMIA, we are meeting our citizens with dignity, not just sympathy.”
The programme features a branded Welcome Corridor at MMIA, separate from standard immigration processes, where returnees receive immediate support. Each participant is issued a Returnee Card that provides a free first night at partner hotels, fast-tracked business registration assistance, and transport support.
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In line with the federal government’s focus on human capital development and economic empowerment, NIHOTOUR is offering returnees free training, certification, and job placement opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sector. Those interested in entrepreneurship will also receive capital support to start their own businesses.
“This is renewed hope in action,” Fagade added. “We are turning a difficult moment into real opportunity, right here at home, for Nigerians, by Nigerians.”
A Restart Desk has been established to assist returnee entrepreneurs and tradespeople with business registration and job placement referrals. Additionally, a Homecoming Counter will track the number of returnees welcomed, businesses restarted, and jobs facilitated.
Steve Babaeko, Group CEO and Chief Creative Officer of X3M Ideas, explained the thinking behind the initiative: “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.”
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