The first batch of 268 Nigerians being evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks will arrive in Nigeria today. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, is set to receive the returnees at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos aboard an Air Peace evacuation flight scheduled to land at approximately 5:00 a.m.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Ambassador Enikanolaiye will welcome the evacuees on behalf of the Federal Government, highlighting Nigeria's commitment to the welfare and protection of its citizens abroad. The ministry also disclosed that the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, will accompany the 268 passengers from Pretoria and formally hand them over to the minister upon arrival in Lagos.
The statement noted that the reception of the returnees underscores the Federal Government's dedication to the well-being of Nigerians living outside the country and aligns with its citizen-focused foreign policy objectives. It also announced an extension of the screening exercise being conducted by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria for citizens willing to return home voluntarily.
The exercise, initially expected to close earlier, will now continue until June 14 to enable more Nigerians affected by the crisis to register for evacuation. Comprehensive arrangements have been made to receive the returnees, including documentation, profiling, and support services to facilitate their reintegration and reunion with family members.
The ministry added that relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies have been mobilized to ensure a seamless reception process and provide the necessary assistance to those affected by the violence. The evacuation follows a fresh wave of anti-foreigner attacks in parts of South Africa, which prompted hundreds of Nigerians to indicate interest in returning home. Nigerian authorities recently confirmed that more than 1,000 citizens had sought voluntary repatriation amid fears for their safety.
