A total of 271 Nigerian nationals evacuated from South Africa have arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, as the Federal Government continues its voluntary repatriation programme for citizens affected by rising xenophobic tensions.
The evacuees arrived on Friday aboard an Air Peace special charter flight, coordinated and funded by the Nigerian Government.
NiDCOM Confirms Arrival
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) confirmed the development, noting that the evacuation underscores government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad.
According to NiDCOM, the returnees were received by officials from multiple agencies, including the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, NEMA, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), FAAN, and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, among others.
Government And Partners Support Evacuees
NiDCOM commended Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Ajayi, for coordinating the evacuation exercise.
It also praised Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, for providing ₦1 million support to indigenes of Imo State among the returnees.
In addition, MTN Nigeria was applauded for offering each returnee free SIM packs, ₦50,000 data bundles, and ₦100,000 airtime credit to support their reintegration.
Background To Evacuation
The latest flight follows earlier government-assisted evacuations from South Africa, where Nigerian authorities have been repatriating citizens alongside other African countries amid renewed xenophobic unrest.
According to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, nearly 600 Nigerians had been evacuated in previous batches before Friday’s operation.
The Air Peace charter flight reportedly departed O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, at about 5:36 a.m. on Friday, conveying 268 returnees, two officials, and crew members.
Government Reaffirms Commitment
Officials said the evacuation exercise will continue for Nigerians who voluntarily registered and were duly screened for repatriation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the protection of Nigerians abroad remains a key priority under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the dignity and welfare of citizens overseas remain central to government policy.