Federal Government to Evacuate 270 Nigerians from South Africa on Wednesday
The Federal Government has concluded arrangements to evacuate approximately 270 Nigerian citizens from South Africa as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of nationals affected by recent anti-migrant violence and growing security concerns.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an Air Peace aircraft will depart Lagos for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7, before returning with the evacuees in the early hours of Wednesday, July 8. The returnees are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 5:00 a.m., subject to operational conditions.
The evacuation forms part of the government’s voluntary repatriation programme for Nigerians who have expressed a desire to return home following renewed xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa.
The Federal Government said it remains committed to protecting the welfare of Nigerians abroad and will continue working through diplomatic channels and relevant agencies to safeguard their interests while facilitating the safe return of those willing to come back home.
The latest exercise follows previous evacuation operations coordinated by the government in collaboration with Air Peace and other relevant agencies to assist Nigerians facing security and humanitarian challenges overseas.
