No fewer than 270 Nigerians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa are expected to arrive in Lagos on Thursday morning as the Federal Government steps up efforts to assist citizens seeking to return home.
The returnees are the first batch of Nigerians being evacuated from South Africa following renewed concerns over attacks and hostility directed at foreign nationals in parts of the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, the evacuation flight will be operated by Air Peace and will depart Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport on Wednesday night. The aircraft is expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 5 a.m. on Thursday.
The Federal Government said it had taken full responsibility for the evacuation exercise, including transportation arrangements and support for the returnees after their arrival in Nigeria.
The ministry explained that officials would receive the evacuees at the airport and carry out the necessary documentation and profiling processes before they are reunited with their families.
“Upon arrival, the evacuees will undergo documentation and profiling procedures and will receive the appropriate assistance and support before being reunited with their families,” the ministry stated.
The evacuation exercise was initially scheduled to begin on Monday. However, the process was delayed due to logistical challenges and the need to complete documentation requirements.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, explained that the postponement became necessary to allow authorities enough time to complete screening and verification procedures in collaboration with South African officials.
According to the minister, the number of Nigerians interested in returning home has continued to increase. She disclosed that more than 1,000 Nigerians living in South Africa had already participated in the screening exercise organised by Nigerian officials.
The growing number of applicants, she noted, reflects the level of concern among Nigerians residing in the country and the desire of many to take advantage of the government-assisted repatriation programme.
The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria also played a major role in facilitating the evacuation process. The mission disclosed that it held discussions with South African authorities to resolve issues affecting some Nigerians who wanted to return home but were facing immigration-related challenges.
According to the commission, agreements were reached that would allow certain individuals with immigration offences to leave South Africa through the repatriation programme instead of being detained.
Officials said the arrangement would ensure that more Nigerians are able to benefit from the evacuation exercise without unnecessary legal complications.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is coordinating the operation alongside other government agencies. NEMA officials are expected to assist with the reception, processing and welfare of the returnees upon arrival in Lagos.
The latest evacuation comes amid renewed fears over xenophobic violence in South Africa, a country that hosts one of the largest populations of Nigerians living abroad on the African continent.
Over the years, attacks on foreign nationals, particularly Africans from other countries, have remained a major source of concern. Nigerians have often been among those affected during outbreaks of violence, looting and targeted attacks on migrant-owned businesses.
Several previous incidents sparked diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa, with the Nigerian government repeatedly demanding stronger protection for its citizens and other foreign nationals.
In 2019, widespread attacks on foreign-owned shops and businesses in South Africa led to deaths, injuries and significant property losses. The violence triggered protests in Nigeria and prompted emergency diplomatic engagements between both countries.
Since then, Nigerian authorities have maintained close contact with South African officials while encouraging citizens living in the country to remain law-abiding and report any threats to the appropriate authorities.
The current repatriation program is voluntary and is intended for Nigerians who wish to return home due to security concerns or other personal reasons linked to the recent developments.
The Federal Government has repeatedly assured Nigerians in South Africa that it remains committed to protecting their interests and ensuring their welfare. Officials said diplomatic discussions with the South African government are ongoing to address the concerns raised by recent incidents and prevent further attacks on foreign nationals.
For many of the returnees, Thursday’s arrival will mark the end of a difficult period marked by fear, uncertainty and concerns about personal safety.
As the first batch returns home, authorities are expected to continue screening and processing other Nigerians who have indicated interest in joining future evacuation flights.
Government officials say additional arrangements may be made if the number of people seeking repatriation continues to rise.
The arrival of the 270 Nigerians is expected to be the first phase of what could become a larger evacuation effort as authorities monitor developments in South Africa and respond to the needs of affected citizens.