FG Welcomes Evacuated Nigerians Fleeing Attacks in South Africa
The Federal Government is set to receive 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 officially welcome the returnees upon their arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa. According to the ministry, the returnees constitute the first batch of Nigerians who opted to return home amid growing concerns over attacks on foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. The Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in Pretoria, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, is expected to accompany the evacuees on the Air Peace flight and formally hand them over to the Nigerian authorities upon arrival. Officials said the evacuation flight was scheduled to land in Lagos early Thursday morning.
The ministry also announced an extension of the registration and screening process for Nigerians wishing to voluntarily return from South Africa. The exercise, initially scheduled to close earlier, will now continue until June 14, 2026. According to the ministry, the extension is aimed at providing additional opportunities for affected Nigerians who may still wish to participate in the repatriation programme. The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to the safety, welfare, and protection of Nigerian citizens living abroad, particularly those facing threats to their security. Authorities further disclosed that relevant ministries, departments, and agencies have completed arrangements to receive, document, and support the returnees upon their arrival in the country. The support measures are expected to include registration, welfare assistance, and other reintegration services designed to ease the transition of the affected citizens back into Nigerian society. The evacuation comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic incidents in South Africa, where foreign nationals have periodically faced hostility, violence, and discrimination over the years. Nigerian authorities said they will continue to monitor developments while working closely with diplomatic officials to ensure the safety of citizens who remain in South Africa.
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