The Federal Government has commenced the evacuation of Nigerian nationals affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with the first batch of returnees expected to arrive in Lagos on Thursday morning.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, the first group of evacuees will depart Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport on Wednesday night aboard an Air Peace flight and arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 5:00 a.m. on Thursday.
“The first batch of Nigerian nationals that will be evacuated from the Republic of South Africa due to xenophobic attacks will depart the Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night, and the expected time of arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos is 5:00 a.m. on Thursday morning,” the statement said.
The ministry noted that the evacuation exercise is being fully funded by the Federal Government, ensuring that affected Nigerians are returned home at no cost.
“The evacuation operation will be undertaken by Air Peace Airlines. The Federal Government of Nigeria has fully funded the evacuation exercise; consequently, all affected Nigerians will be repatriated at no cost to them,” it added.
The government also assured that adequate arrangements had been made to receive and support the returnees upon arrival in Nigeria.
According to the ministry, relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies have been mobilised to provide the necessary assistance, including documentation and profiling procedures before the evacuees 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 statement said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad, particularly during periods of crisis and insecurity.