The Federal Government is set to receive the first batch of 268 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, will represent the government in welcoming the returnees upon their arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the evacuees are expected to arrive aboard an Air Peace flight scheduled to land at approximately 5:00 a.m. The return operation forms part of efforts to assist Nigerians who have chosen to leave South Africa in the wake of the attacks.
The ministry also disclosed that Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner in Pretoria, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, will accompany the group back home and formally hand them over to the minister upon arrival.
To allow more affected Nigerians the opportunity to return voluntarily, the government has extended the ongoing screening exercise for prospective returnees until June 14, 2026. Officials said the decision reflects the administration’s commitment to the welfare and protection of citizens abroad.
The ministry further assured that relevant ministries, departments, and agencies have made adequate arrangements for the reception, documentation, and support of the returnees, ensuring a smooth reintegration process upon their arrival in Nigeria.
Elijah Adeyemi
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