The first batch of 268 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa over xenophobia concerns has arrived in Lagos, as the Federal Government begins a broader repatriation exercise for affected citizens.
The group landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Thursday aboard an Air Peace flight arranged by the government. The evacuation follows heightened xenophobic tensions in South Africa, with more than 1,000 Nigerians reportedly expressing interest in returning home.
Evacuation details and challenges
The flight was initially scheduled to depart earlier in the week but faced delays due to documentation and processing challenges before eventually leaving on Wednesday. The Nigerian government, through its High Commission in Pretoria, coordinated the documentation and repatriation efforts.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, revealed that the number of Nigerians seeking repatriation from South Africa was increasing steadily. She stated that the Nigerian High Commission had engaged South African authorities to ensure a smooth return process, including for those with unresolved immigration issues, allowing them to leave through the evacuation programme instead of facing possible detention.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs worked with the High Commission to clear documentation hurdles for over 1,000 citizens seeking emergency repatriation. The screening and documentation exercise was originally expected to end over the weekend but was extended due to rising applications.
Government commitment
In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the extension was necessary to accommodate more Nigerians and demonstrate the government's commitment to citizens abroad. The statement read: “This underscores the priority accorded to the protection of Nigerian citizens overseas, which remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy and a core responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
The arrival of the 268 returnees is expected to be the first of several evacuation flights as authorities continue efforts to assist Nigerians affected by the unrest and facilitate their safe return. Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have periodically strained relations between the two nations, with Nigerians often among those affected during outbreaks of anti-foreigner violence.
