The Federal Government has concluded arrangements for the evacuation of Nigerian nationals affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with the first batch of returnees scheduled to arrive in Nigeria on Thursday morning by Air Peace Airlines.
According to a statement issued by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on Tuesday, the evacuation flight will depart the Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night and is expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Thursday.
The Ministry disclosed that the operation will be carried out by Air Peace Airlines and fully funded by the Federal Government, ensuring that all affected Nigerians are repatriated at no cost.
The government also assured that adequate arrangements have been made for the reception and welfare of the returnees upon arrival.
Relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies have been mobilised to provide necessary support services, including documentation, profiling and other forms of assistance before the evacuees are reunited with their families.
The Ministry reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad and pledged continued engagement with South African authorities over the situation.