A total of 268 Nigerians affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa are expected to arrive in the country today as part of the Federal Government’s evacuation efforts.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, is scheduled to officially receive the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
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This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
According to the statement, Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner in Pretoria, Alexander Ajayi, will accompany the first group of evacuees from South Africa and formally hand them over to the minister upon arrival.
The ministry stated that the evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace, is expected to land in Lagos at approximately 5:00 a.m. today.
It further revealed that the registration and screening process for Nigerians seeking voluntary repatriation from South Africa has been extended until June 14, 2026, to allow more affected citizens the opportunity to return home.
The extension, the ministry noted, underscores the government’s determination to safeguard the welfare and interests of Nigerians living abroad.
The statement also assured that relevant ministries, departments and agencies have concluded arrangements to provide reception, documentation and other necessary support services to the returnees upon their arrival in Nigeria.
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