Over 1,000 Nigerians Cleared As Government Begins South Africa Evacuation Plan
Government Reverses Earlier Position
THE Federal Government has announced plans to commence the free evacuation of Nigerians willing to return home from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The development marks a shift from an earlier arrangement under which prospective returnees were expected to bear the cost of their flights. Authorities have now confirmed that evacuees will be transported at no personal expense.
More Than 1,000 Nigerians Screened
According to officials, over 1,000 Nigerians have undergone screening as part of the voluntary repatriation programme.
The exercise, which began on 4 June, is being coordinated by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria in collaboration with South African authorities, including immigration and security agencies.
Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa explained that the screening process is designed to verify and clear registered applicants before evacuation arrangements are finalized.
Flights Expected Next Week
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved funding for the operation.
She noted that Air Peace is expected to facilitate the evacuation flights, with the first batch of returnees likely to arrive in Nigeria next week.
Officials said up to five flights may be deployed to accommodate the large number of Nigerians seeking voluntary return.
Response to Rising Tensions
The evacuation initiative follows growing concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals from several African countries have reportedly faced attacks and intimidation.
Authorities described the screening exercise as orderly and peaceful despite the emotional circumstances surrounding the situation.
Nigeria joins other African nations, including Ghana, which has already evacuated hundreds of its citizens from South Africa in response to the crisis.
