The first batch of Nigerians being repatriated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks is expected to arrive in Lagos on Thursday morning, the Federal Government has announced.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, the returnees will be flown home aboard an Air Peace aircraft scheduled to depart Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport on Wednesday night.
The flight is expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Thursday.
The repatriation effort comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting Nigerian authorities to facilitate the voluntary return of citizens affected by the unrest.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians residing in South Africa and said it is continuing to engage relevant stakeholders to address the situation.
