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The Federal Government has announced that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, will receive the first batch of Nigerians being evacuated from South Africa following ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country in Lagos on Thursday.
According to a statement by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on Wednesday,the Minister will be at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to welcome the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government, underscoring the administration’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad.
The first batch of 268 evacuees is expected to arrive aboard an Air Peace Airlines flight at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
The Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria in Pretoria, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, is expected to accompany the passengers and formally hand them over to the Minister upon arrival.
The Ministry also disclosed that the ongoing screening exercise being conducted by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria for citizens willing to voluntarily return home has been extended until Sunday, June 14, 2026. The extension is intended to enable more affected Nigerians to register for evacuation.
The Ministry noted that the evacuation exercise reflects the Federal Government’s citizen-centred foreign policy and its commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of Nigerians wherever they reside.
It further assured the public that comprehensive reception, documentation, and support measures have been put in place through relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to facilitate the smooth reintegration of the returnees.
The Government reiterated that the protection of Nigerian citizens overseas remains a key pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy and a fundamental responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.