A total of at least 270 Nigerians affected by xenophobic-related tensions in South Africa are expected to arrive in Lagos on Thursday morning as the Federal Government intensifies evacuation efforts for its citizens abroad.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, the evacuees constitute the first batch of returnees and will be flown from Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport aboard an Air Peace aircraft on Wednesday night.
Arrival scheduled for Lagos airport
The flight is expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 5 a.m. on Thursday.
Officials said the Federal Government will oversee reception arrangements, including documentation, profiling, and initial support for the returnees upon arrival.
The government also confirmed that it is fully funding and coordinating the evacuation exercise through relevant agencies.
Screening and diplomatic engagements
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, explained that the delay in the evacuation was due to additional screening and documentation procedures carried out in collaboration with South African authorities.
She noted that over 1,000 Nigerians in South Africa participated in the screening exercise, with more individuals expressing interest in voluntary repatriation.
The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria also disclosed that it negotiated waivers with South African authorities to allow individuals with immigration-related issues to return without detention under the evacuation programme.
Coordinated government response
The evacuation exercise is being coordinated by the National Emergency Management Agency alongside other federal agencies.
Officials say the operation is part of ongoing diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians affected by unrest and xenophobic tensions in South Africa.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad while maintaining diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to address the recurring incidents.
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