Another 83 Nigerians Return From South Africa Tomorrow

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that a new batch of 83 Nigerian nationals fleeing the Xenophobic attacks in South Africa will arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, tomorrow, via South African Airways.

A statement issued yesterday by the ministry’s spokesman, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the evacuees are expected to depart from Oliver Tambo Airport in Johannesburg at 3.35 pm local time and arrive in Lagos at approximately 08.45 pm the same day.

The ministry also noted that this latest cohort of returnees is facilitated by the kind intervention and sponsorship of tickets from public-spirited private individuals, whose generosity the federal government acknowledges with profound gratitude.

This development follows the earlier conclusion of the government’s voluntary repatriation programme, which saw nearly 1,490 Nigerian citizens repatriated from South Africa amidst rising Afrophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments in the host country.

“The federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguard the welfare and dignity of all Nigerians at home and abroad. In line with its citizen diplomacy agenda, the government views Nigerians in the diaspora not as a burden, but as critical assets for national development, and is dedicated to ensuring their protection and well-being,” the statement said.

The ministry extended special appreciation to individuals and philanthropists who have assisted in the humanitarian effort, saying their actions were a sterling example of the “whole of society approach”, even as it hailed the public-private collaboration championed by the government in addressing challenges facing our citizens abroad.

The Ministry commended their patriotism and selflessness, which have significantly alleviated the plight of the compatriots in South Africa.

“In light of this, the Ministry calls upon the organised private sector, corporate organisations, State Governments, and other well-meaning Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to emulate these worthy examples. Our collective efforts will bolster our national capacity to respond effectively to consular emergencies.

“The government remains committed to deepening strategic partnerships with host nations, including South Africa, to address the root causes of Afrophobia and ensure that such acts of violence and discrimination against Nigerians are prevented and are strongly condemned when they occur, including holding perpetrators of such violence to account, “the statement added.