Federal Government has announced that the first batch of Nigerian nationals being evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks will arrive in Nigeria on Thursday morning.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government said the evacuees would depart Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport on Wednesday night aboard an Air Peace flight and are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 5:00 am on Thursday.
The Ministry said the evacuation exercise is being fully funded by the Federal Government, with affected Nigerians returning home at no cost.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has fully funded the evacuation exercise; consequently, all affected Nigerians will be repatriated at no cost to them,” the statement said.
According to the Ministry, arrangements have been concluded to receive and support the returnees upon arrival in Nigeria.
It said relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies have put in place measures to ensure a smooth reception process, including documentation, profiling and other forms of assistance.
“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 follows renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting Nigerian authorities to initiate plans for the voluntary return of citizens affected by the violence.
The Ministry reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad.
RN
