The Federal Government says it has concluded arrangements to evacuate another 270 Nigerians from South Africa as part of its ongoing voluntary repatriation programme for citizens who have chosen to return home.
The evacuees are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, next tomorrow, aboard an Air Peace flight deployed for the evacuation.
In a statement, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the aircraft would depart Lagos for Johannesburg before returning with the latest batch of evacuees.
“In continuation of the ongoing evacuation of our nationals from South Africa, the Air Peace aircraft deployed for the process is expected to depart Lagos tomorrow for Johannesburg, South Africa,” the statement said.
It added: “The aircraft will depart Johannesburg for Lagos with 270 returnees and the estimated arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, all things being equal.”
The latest operation is being coordinated through the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria alongside relevant government agencies as part of efforts to assist Nigerians facing various challenges in South Africa and seeking voluntary return.
The evacuation comes amid heightened concerns over renewed xenophobic tensions and anti-immigrant protests in parts of South Africa, which have prompted calls for stronger diplomatic engagement between both countries.
The Federal Government has also reassured Nigerians still living in South Africa of their safety while continuing to monitor developments.
The latest mission follows the recent arrival of 269 Nigerians evacuated from Johannesburg, marking the second government-coordinated repatriation exercise in recent weeks.
Over the years, Nigeria has organised several evacuation operations for citizens stranded abroad due to conflict, humanitarian emergencies, immigration challenges and economic hardship. Air Peace has played a prominent role in many of those government-assisted missions.
