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The Nigerian government has announced plans to evacuate another 83 Nigerians from South Africa following rising Afrophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Monday that the returnees are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday.
The ministry said the Nigerians will leave Oliver Tambo Airport, Johannesburg, at 3:35 pm local time aboard South African Airways and are expected to arrive in Lagos at about 8:45 pm. It said the latest evacuation was made possible through the intervention and sponsorship of air tickets by private individuals.
“The Ministry wishes to note that this latest cohort of returnees is facilitated through the kind intervention and sponsorship of tickets by public-spirited private individuals, whose generosity the Federal Government acknowledges with profound gratitude,” the ministry said.
The latest batch comes after the conclusion of the government’s voluntary repatriation programme, which saw nearly 1,490 Nigerians returned from South Africa over concerns about attacks and discrimination against foreigners.
The ministry said the government under President Bola Tinubu remains committed to protecting the welfare and dignity of Nigerians living abroad. It described Nigerians in the diaspora as “critical assets for national development” under its Citizen Diplomacy agenda.
The ministry also praised private individuals and philanthropists who supported the latest evacuation, describing their intervention as part of the “whole-of-society approach” the government is promoting.
“The Ministry commends their patriotism and selflessness, which have significantly alleviated the plight of our compatriots in South Africa,” it said.
The Nigerian Government urged private companies, corporate organisations, state governments and other Nigerians to support efforts to respond to consular emergencies.
It also said it would continue diplomatic engagement with South Africa to address the causes of Afrophobia and prevent attacks and discrimination against Nigerians.
