A total of 268 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa have arrived in Lagos as the Federal Government begins the repatriation of citizens affected by the latest wave of xenophobic attacks.
The returnees touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Thursday on an Air Peace flight arranged by the government to facilitate the safe return of Nigerians willing to leave South Africa.
The evacuation exercise, which was initially scheduled for Monday, was delayed until Wednesday due to challenges relating to documentation and other necessary procedures.
The development follows rising concerns over attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting many Nigerians residing in the country to seek assistance to return home.
The Federal Government had disclosed that over 1,000 Nigerians had indicated interest in the voluntary repatriation programme, with additional flights expected in subsequent days.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had said the number of Nigerians requesting evacuation continued to increase.
She added that the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria was collaborating with relevant South African authorities to ensure affected citizens were properly documented and assisted in leaving the country.
According to the minister, Nigerians facing immigration-related difficulties were also being considered under the evacuation arrangements to enable them depart without facing detention.
The Nigerian Mission in South Africa had commenced the screening and registration of intending returnees as part of efforts to organise the exercise.
The documentation process was extended after the number of applicants exceeded initial expectations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, said the move reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians living outside the country.
It stressed that the welfare and security of Nigerian citizens abroad remain key priorities of the nation’s foreign policy.
Officials said the arrival of the first group of returnees marks the beginning of a broader evacuation programme designed to assist Nigerians affected by the situation and provide them with a safe return home.
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