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The Federal Government has announced that 83 more Nigerians stranded in South Africa are expected to return to the country on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr, in Abuja on Monday.
The returnees will arrive at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard South African Airways.
They are scheduled to depart Oliver Tambo Airport, Johannesburg, at 3:35 p.m. local time and arrive in Lagos at about 8:45 p.m. the same day.
The Ministry said the latest return was facilitated through the intervention and sponsorship of air tickets by public-spirited private individuals.
It said the development came after the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme, which resulted in the return of nearly 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa amid increasing Afrophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiments.
According to the statement, the Federal Government remains committed to protecting the welfare and dignity of Nigerians both at home and abroad under its Citizen Diplomacy agenda.
The Ministry described Nigerians in the diaspora as critical assets to national development and commended the individuals and philanthropists who supported the latest evacuation.
It urged the organised private sector, corporate organisations, state governments and other Nigerians at home and abroad to emulate the initiative and support government efforts in responding to consular emergencies.
The government also pledged to deepen engagement with South Africa and other host countries to address the root causes of Afrophobia, prevent violence and discrimination against Nigerians, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.