The Nigerian Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) today announced the results of its Welcome Home pilot programme, launched at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in response to the repatriation of Nigerian citizens following xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Following a deadline issued by anti-migrant groups in South Africa on June 30, 2026, hundreds of Nigerian citizens were repatriated on emergency flights. NIHOTOUR, working with creative agency X3M Ideas, built a welcome system at the point of arrival rather than issuing a statement alone.
“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 offers a branded Welcome Corridor at MMIA, distinct from standard immigration processing, directing returnees to immediate support alongside a Returnee Card offering a free first night at partner hotels, fast-tracked business registration support, and transport assistance.
In alignment with the federal focus on human capital development and economic empowerment, NIHOTOUR is also offering returnees free training, certification, and job placement within the hospitality and tourism sector, as well as capital support for those looking 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.”
Furthermore, there will be a Restart Desk supporting returnee entrepreneurs and tradespeople with business registration and job placement referrals. Also, a public Homecoming Counter tracking returnees welcomed, businesses restarted, and jobs facilitated.
“This wasn’t built as a campaign about a crisis,” said Steve Babaeko, Group CEO and Chief Creative Officer of X3M Ideas. “It was a hospitality agency deciding what it owes its own citizens, the moment they land.”
The Welcome Home programme launched as a pilot at MMIA Lagos. NIHOTOUR has stated its intention to evaluate expansion to additional airports based on pilot outcomes.