The first set of Nigerians fleeing the latest wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa has arrived in Lagos, marking the beginning of a large-scale repatriation effort by the Federal Government.
A total of 268 returnees touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 10:30 a.m. on Thursday aboard an Air Peace flight specially arranged for their evacuation.
The return journey was initially scheduled for Monday but was delayed until Thursday due to documentation and clearance challenges involving some of the affected Nigerians.
The evacuation comes amid growing concerns over renewed attacks and hostility against foreign nationals in South Africa. More than 1,000 Nigerians have reportedly indicated interest in returning home as fears continue to mount within the Nigerian community.
Speaking earlier on the exercise, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed that the number of Nigerians seeking repatriation had continued to rise. She revealed that Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria successfully negotiated waivers with South African authorities to allow citizens with immigration-related offences to depart voluntarily rather than face detention.
The screening and verification exercise for prospective returnees commenced last Thursday and was originally scheduled to end on Saturday. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced an extension until Sunday to accommodate the increasing number of applicants.
In a statement, the ministry described the evacuation effort as a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad.
“This underscores the priority accorded to the protection of Nigerian citizens overseas, which remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy and a core responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the statement said.
The ministry further assured that comprehensive reception, documentation and reintegration arrangements have been put in place through relevant ministries, departments and agencies to support the returnees upon arrival.
With hundreds already back home and many more expected in the coming days, the repatriation exercise highlights the growing impact of the xenophobic tensions in South Africa and Nigeria’s determination to safeguard its citizens wherever they may be.
